Birdie Swenson

Birdie L. Swenson, age 70, of Willmar, died unexpectedly Monday, March 2, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.

Birdie Lorraine Swenson was born on November 16, 1944, in Ft. Benning, Georgia, the daughter of Stephen and Mary (Brundage) Vilven. She grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1962. In September of 1964, Birdie was united in marriage to Donald B. Swenson. They lived in the communities of Madelia and Starbuck before moving to Willmar in 1970. Birdie was employed at Wonderalls Clothing, Mister Donut and for almost the past 30 years at Jake's Pizza in downtown Willmar as the "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer". Birdie will be remembered for her homemade Chili served on Thursdays at Jake's, and her cooked ribs and oyster stew served at family celebrations. Birdie helped many individuals in times of need, whether a friend or stranger. She loved kids and enjoyed traveling with her sister. Birdie was a member of TOPS.

She is survived by her two children, Candace (and Scott) Behm of Atwater and Stephen "Butch" (and Debbie) Swenson of St. Cloud; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Also surviving are three siblings, Stephania Vilven of Willmar, Charles (and Shelly) Vilven of Spicer and Keith Vilven of Willmar and an adopted sister, Evelyn Stewart of Willmar, besides other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald in April of 1977; and an infant sister.

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