Shirley June Swenson, age 95, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. Shirley was born June 15, 1930, in Sioux

Rapids, Iowa, to Quentin and Leola (Deen) Peterson.

Shirley grew up in Rembrandt, Iowa. She played Iowa half-court basketball in high school. An excellent player, she even out scored her grandkids playing Horse. After graduating from high school, Shirley studied at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, before going to Luther College. She completed her studies at Luther with an elementary certificate in June 1951.

While at Luther College, Shirley met the love of her life, Edward Swenson, when he signed up for summer swim classes. After Shirley taught one year in Marshall, Minnesota and Ed finished his first year at seminary, they were married in June of 1952 (on her birthday, so he would never forget their anniversary) in Rembrandt. Shirley taught elementary school while Ed finished seminary. The following year, Shirley taught second grade in St. Paul.

In June 1953, they moved to Estherville, Iowa for Ed to start his internship year. Shirley faithfully supported Ed in his ministry and was also very active in the churches he pastored in Crystal Lake and Thor, Iowa, Ottawa, Illinois, and Mankato, Minnesota. While in Mankato, Shirley went back to college and earned her Bachelor of Science degree Cum Laude in Elementary Education and Library Media at Mankato State University. She was elected to the District Board of the ALCW in June 1983.

They retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas, in 1993. Shirley continued to be active, singing in the choir, attending and hosting Women's Bible Study, Shoe Box Ministry, and serving in other various positions, at Bella Vista Lutheran Church where she was a member for 33 years.

Shirley was an avid golfer. After playing for 15 years, she scored a hole-in-one at Dogwood Hills Golf Course in Bella Vista. She used a 5 iron to drive the ball 127 yards to the cup on par-3, whole number seven.

Shirley and Ed were blessed with five children: Tim (Claire), Walter (Anne), John (Karen), Laurie, and Miriam (Alan).

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 52 years, Edward Swenson; one daughter Laurie Swenson; one brother Francis Peterson; one sister Beverly Nolte; and one great granddaughter, Emry Gustaf.

She is survived by her children; nine grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and one brother, Cordell Peterson.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18th, at 10:00 a.m. at Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, Arkansas, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m and a lunch reception after the service. Memorials may be made to The Shepherd's Food Pantry or The Bella Vista Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund.