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, 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 19, 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, SD. She then took a big jump and drove 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 at a party.

She married Robert Swenson on May 18, 1968. They resided on several farms in Randall, MN, where they raised hogs, chickens, beef cows, and later dairy cows. She went back to school to get her degree in Child Development at St. Cloud. Upon completion, she started an in-home daycare.

Barb also worked other various jobs before they began their family in 1970 with the birth of their son David. Then came Jon, Bill, and Mary. Barb and Robert also became foster parents from 1971 through 1975. They had a total of four foster children during that time. She began working with disabled adults at the DAC and adult group homes in the Little Falls area. Barb and Robert later 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 other 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 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 having a filter. One never knew what was going to come 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 and Kenny Carr; brother, Steven Schultz; great-granddaughter, Harlyn Breitenfeldt; Naomi Kast; and foster daughter, Sharon Bitzer.

Survived by significant other Dale Winters 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 of Overland Park, KS; foster daughter, Susie (Bill) Whitney of Wahpeton, ND; sister Donna (Dennis) Lindholm of Clinton, MN; brother Michael Schultz of Brainerd, MN; sister Linda Schultz of Brainerd, MN; along with several cousins and many nieces and nephews.

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

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

Great-great-grandchild: Benny.

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.