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Col. Gary Glen Swenson, 75, of Fairfax Station, Va., died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Gary was born to Mr. A.L. and Garnett (Crain) Swenson in Oelwein on June 23, 1949. He graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1967, University of ENSOW South Dakota in 1971 with a bachelor science degree in business administration, and from lowa State University in 1973 and 1976 with a master of science and doctorate in economics, respectively.
Upon graduation, he began serving in the United States Army as a field artillery officer. While on active duty, he completed a master of business administration in 1994 from Marymount University of Virginia and the United States Army War College.
Col. Swenson’s final U.S. Army assignment was as Chief of Staff at the Center for Army Analysis, stationed at Ft. Belvoir, Va. After 30 years in the Army, he retired to enjoy tutoring at Lorton Community Action Center, HAM radio events with the Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club, ERG Sprints and the Fairfax County Senior Olympics, also yard (especially Zoysia grass) and home maintenance.
Gary met Sheila Taylor while both were assigned to the 56th Field Artillery Brigade (Pershing) in 1986, and finally tied the knot on Nov. 26, 2004.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Sheila; sister Tania (Dennis) Gutz of Storm Lake; and his brother Greg (Janet) Swenson of Chesapeake, Va.; two nieces, Jennifer (John) Hildman of Sargent Bluff; and Ashley (Bobby) Richeson; five nephews: John (Dianna) Swenson of Virginia Beach, Va.; Chad (Lenny) Swenson of Fairfax, Va.; Christopher Mattingly of Harvest, Ala.; Daniel (Kali) Mattingly of Owensboro, Ky.; and Bradley (Megan) Mattingly; also numerous grand-nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved furry child, Danny.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Humane Society or favorite charity.
