David Louis Swendsen's Obituary
David Swendsen passed away on July 6, 2015 with his family by his side after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. David was born on September 6, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan to Louis and Mary (Glanville) Swendsen. He graduated from Southfield High School in Detroit and spent two years at Albion College before completing a bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He was a licensed professional engineer who practiced for 42 years starting in Illinois and then moving to Oklahoma, Alabama and Indiana before ironically ending his career back in Michigan. No matter where his work took him he was a faithful supporter of Wolverine football and would proudly fly the school flag on game days. David loved his community and his church. He was active as a coach for youth sports, Boy Scouts and president of his neighborhood homeowners association. At church he was an usher, adult youth group volunteer, council member and RAMP volunteer. His most rewarding contribution to the community was being able to assist in the construction of the new Breunsbach Education Center at Fellowship Lutheran. David, always the gentleman, enjoyed giving his time and talents to others behind the scenes. He carried Christ at the center of his life. David was dearly loved and respected by family and friends. He will be greatly missed and yet we rejoice that his burdens are lifted. David is preceded in death by his parents, half-sister Betty Windschief and his first wife, Judy (Bauer) Swendsen. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 33 years, Jane (Laney) Swendsen, who virtually single handedly guided him through his long journey with Alzheimer’s. He is also survived by his son Michael (Martha) and daughter Linda Chandler (Kevin); grandchildren Eric and Katherine Swendsen and Kelvin, Weston and Lauren Chandler. Visitation will be Friday, July 10th from 6-8 p.m. at Floral Haven Funeral Home, 6500 South 129th East Ave., Broken Arrow, OK. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 11th at 1 p.m. at Fellowship Lutheran Church, 6727 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa, OK with Rev. Floyd Schoenals presiding. A private interment ceremony for the family will follow at Floral Haven.
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