"My condolences to Swen’s family. I recall a welcoming phone call from the Sjulestads when I lived in Phoenix from 1971 to 1976 and sometimes felt like a misplaced and lonely Midwesterner. I will remember the kindness."
In loving memory of
Swen Sjulestad
Swen,96 passed away Feb. 17, 2012 in Phoenix. He was born in rural Goodridge, MN. on April 2, 1915 to Even and Engeborg Sjulestad. He married Bonnie Zavoral on June 29, 1941. They raised three daughters and in 1962 they moved to Phoenix. Swen was employed by the Washington School Dist., retiring in 1978. He enjoyed card games, his woodworking projects,traveling, camping and spending time with his family. Swen is survived by his loving wife Bonnie, daughters Sandra(Jim)Prigge,Diane(Bob)Randolph,Renae(Bruce)Bjerklie. Grandchildren Scott (Bobbi)Prigge, Jeff (Terri) Prigge, Jim(Selina)Prigge, Steve (Nithia)Prigge, Michelle(Scott) Whitney, Jason (Erin)Randolph,Jennifer(Fiance Manuel Vargas)Randolph,Marty(Amanda)Randolph, Lisa(Sean)Truelove, Chris(Kristy Nelson) Bjerklie, Jami (Fiance Rich Hendrickson)Eischens, Bryan Bjerklie, 27 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, sister Gertie Elg and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents,brothers Gerald,Eddy,Robert and sister Signe Miller. Pallbearers: Scott Prigge, Jeff Prigge, Jim Prigge, Steve Prigge, Michelle Whitney, Jason Randolph, Jennifer Randolph Honory Pallbearers:Chris Bjerklie, Jami Eischens, Bryan Bjerklie, Lisa Truelove, Marty Randolph. May Swen’s Memory Be Blessed
Tributes
"To the family of Swen, Deepest sympathies to all of you. I am sure there is a sense of relief that he is no longer suffering anymore, but there is still that emptiness that Swen is gone..... Swen was a good man and he has passed those qualities on to each and every one of you....He worked hard and always had time for his family; I think he pretty much lived for his 3 girls... Sandy, Diane and Renae--I am so sorry...It is hard to say goodbye to a dad that cherished each and every one of you so much....I wish we could be there right now and that hurts that we cannot.... God bless and sending our love to all of you..... Renae and Gene"
"Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you."
"We are so sorry for your loss. We have many wonderful memories of Swen and your family when you would all come up for your annual trip to Minnesota in the summer."
"Bonnie has a special guardian angel standing watch over her now..."
"After I heard about Swen passing I kept on thinking about being a child and the feeling of excitement that we would all have when Bonnie and Swen would come home to Minnesota. It was always a party! I can’t even begin to imagine what kind of party there was when uncle Swen came home to heaven. Grandma Rose hugs are still the best and I’m sure there has been a lot of them. Cherish the memories. . . . God Bless you all. Allie, Aaron, Hannah and Nolan Enge"
"Dear Bonnie, You and Swen were together for many years and looked out for each other...I have not doubt that he will continue to watch out for your wellbeing in the form of a guardian angel... God bless you...I wish that I could wrap my arms around you and give you a big hug......Renae"
"We will miss you Swen!!"
"We are so sorry for your families loss, Swen was the perfect example of how we should our lives . A quiet gentle man who loved his family above all else. Please remember all the good times you had with him and now he’s with all his family that went before him. Above all else remember we will see him again in our heavenly home. We wish we could be there with you guys but we’ll be thinking of you on Thursday. It is so hard to loose a parent but his suffering is over. Give your Mom a hug from us. Love you guys!"