Barbara Ann Swenson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Barb on July 16, 2026, at the age of 78. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness and warmth touched everyone who knew her. She dedicated her life caring for others. Her strength, generosity, and unwavering love will never be forgotten.

On March 19th, 1948, Barb was born in Ortonville, MN to Martin and Jesse Schultz. She resided here with her family, helping on the farm and taking care of her siblings until graduating from Milbank, S.D. She then took a big jump and bought a one-way ticket to Washington, D.C., where she secured a job with the FBI. After working in D.C., she moved back to MN, where she met Robert through her cousin Kap Swenson.

She Married Robert Swenson on May 18th, 1968. They resided on several farms in Randall, MN, where they raised hogs, chickens, beef cows and later, dairy cows. Barb and Robert began their family in 1970 with the birth of their first son, David, then Jon, Bill, and Mary. Barb and Robert also became Foster Parents in 1971 through 1975. They fostered a total of 4 children during that time. Years later, they sold the farm to build their dream house in Randall, MN. Barb went back to school to get her degree in Child Development in St. Cloud, MN. Upon completion, she started her own in-home daycare. Some years later, Barb decided to switch professions and began working with disabled adults @ the D.A.C an adult group home located on the Westside of Little Falls. This became Barb’s true calling.

After 26 years of marriage, Barb and Robert divorced in 1994.

Barb Loved Life! She loved spending time with family and friends, playing games and discovering new places. Dancing was one of her favorite things to do. If there was a dance being held, she was there! Friday Night, she was gone! Square Dancing, polka, and waltz, to name a few. Card Night was popular at her house and out in the community. Barb enjoyed a good garage sale or thrift shop where she collected meaningful pieces over the years that she proudly displayed in her home. Traveling to different places with her brother Mike and significant friend Dale of 16 years was always an adventure. Barb enjoyed the simple things in life!

She believed her life purpose was to take care of her disabled brother Michael Schultz, which she did well for 25+ years until her passing at the age of 78. Barb never complained about his care, never regretted it, but embraced it!

Barb was a spiritual woman with a very strong faith in our Lord and Savior! She had a zest for life, always finding the positive in any situation. If you knew Barb, you knew she lacked a filter. One never knew what was going to fly out of her mouth. Every day was a new adventure!

She was preceded in death by her parents Martin and Jesse Schultz, sister and brother-in-law Marva & Kenny Carr, brother Steven Schultz, great-granddaughter Harlyn Breitenfeldt, Naomi Kast, and Foster Daughter Sharon Bitzer.

Survived by ex – husband and friend Robert Swenson of Brainerd MN, Children: David (Tonya) Swenson of Motley MN, Jon (Lisa) Swenson of Motley MN, Bill (Shannon) Swenson of Brainerd MN, Mary (Chad) Myers Overland Park KS, Foster Daughter, Susie (Bill) Whitney of Wahpeton ND, significant friend Dale Winters of Motley MN, sister Donna (Dennis) Lindholm of Clinton MN, brother Michael Schultz of Brainerd MN, sister Linda Schmidt of Brainerd MN. Along with several cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Grandchildren: Thomas (Liz) Swenson, Justin (Brittany) Treb, Corey Treb, Mariah Swenson. Maddy, Maycee, Makenzie & Makail Swenson, Sam & Ben Swenson, Amelia, Lucy & Maggie Myers. Jason, Jimmy, Joey & Jeffery Kast

Great Grandchildren: Greyson, Roman, Liam, Mikey, Sterling, Sloane, Weston, Cedric, Jethro and Walker. Christina, Christian P., Alexis, Christian A., Hunter & Rylan.

Great – Great Grandchild: Benny

Honorary Urn Bearers: Barbs Grandchildren

A memorial service for Barb will take place on Saturday, July 25 at Good Shepard Free Lutheran Church in Brainerd at 11:00 am with a visitation starting at 9:00 am. Burial will take place at a later date at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Milbank, SD.