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Charles Allyn Swenson, 91, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Charles was born in Clinton, Minnesota in 1933 to Alvin and Esther Swenson. He lived on the family farm west of Clinton until leaving to attend Gustavus Adolphus College, where he majored in Math and Chemistry. He went on to receive his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Iowa in 1960 and joined the University of Iowa Biochemistry faculty the same year.
Charles married Joanne Marie Sar on September 3, 1960, and they made their home in Iowa City, Iowa. They had three daughters: Leanne, Linda and Karen.
Charles retired after 35 years in the Biochemistry Department. In retirement, he and Joanne travelled extensively and enjoyed ballroom dancing. He was an active long-term member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, serving in a variety of roles. His hobbies included woodworking, gardening (he was a Master Gardner), grafting fruit trees and tennis, as well as cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Charles will be remembered for his passion for the outdoors (particularly camping and hiking), his sense of humor (questionable limericks), generosity and willingness to help and teach others. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was able to meet his first great grandchild via Skype.
Charles is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne; his daughters: Leanne (Scott) Valentine, Linda (Dave) Meis and Karen Swenson; grandchildren: Jacob Valentine, Cole Valentine, Catie (Robert) Kasse and son Simon, Ellen (Brady) Nahkala, Mary (Lucas) Jurasek, Joan (Jackson) Komp, Caroline Meis and Michael Meis; and a sister, Lois Schwartz. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Eileen and Carol.
The funeral will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City, Iowa, with a luncheon to follow.
Cards can be sent to 9250 Edgeline Drive, Apt. 301, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Crisis Services or to ELCA World Hunger.
The family wishes to thank all those who cared for Charles during his last few weeks, especially those at Edgewater, Iowa Methodist Hospital Cardiology and Kavanagh House.
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