Barbara Swenson, 83

Barbara J. Swenson, 83, of Fargo, N.D., formerly of Kennedy, Minn., died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, in Port Charlotte, Fla.
She was born Dec. 2, 1935, in Dauphin, Manitoba, to George and Mary Louise (Glidden) Costin. After her father passed away, her mother moved their family to Hallock, Minn., where Barb graduated from Hallock High School in 1953. Later that year, Barb married LeRoy Swenson of Kennedy and together they had four children: Robin, Scott, Chris and Kevin.
Barb worked as a secretary for Ell Kiene Farms for eight years. In 1974, she began her dream job of buying and selling antiques with her friend and mentor Earl Halvorson. They traveled many miles in search of antique treasures to fill the shelves of her shop, the Olde Tyme Shoppe in Kennedy. Barb and LeRoy enjoyed traveling and after retirement found “paradise” in Port Charlotte, Fla. She wintered there until the time of her death.
Barb is survived by her children: Robin (Dave) Oestreich of Fargo, daughter-in-law, Pam Swenson of Crookston, Chris (Pam) Swenson of Kennedy, and Kevin (Connie) Swenson of Sun City, Ariz.; grandchildren: Brett (Kendra) Oestreich, Alex (Lexi) Oestreich, Heidi (Ben) Preisler, Jeremy (Tiffany) Swenson, Brooke (Steve) Zabel, Brady (Ashley) Swenson, Sean (fiance’ Alissa) Swenson, Katelyn Swenson, Tanner Swenson, Kendrah (Barret) Germundson and Kristyne (Jeff) Duray; and 19 greatgrandchildren. Barb is also survived by sisters, Elizabeth Homstad of Warren, Minn., Margaret (Bruce) Asleson of Audubon, Minn., and Marilyn (Greg Toutges) Gravgaard of Moorhead, Minn.; and her special friend, Ken Rieben of Port Charlotte, Fla.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LeRoy; son, Scott;  brothers, Ken Costin and Calvin Costin.
Visitation will be at Maria Lutheran Church in Kennedy, from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m.
Arrangements by Austin Funeral Home in Hallock. www.austinfuneralchapel.com