Barbara Swenson, 82, of Willmar, died Wednesday, December 27, at Copperleaf Senior Living in Willmar.

Her memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Kandiyohi with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private interment will be at Clover Leaf Cemetery in Willmar. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.

Barbara Jean Swenson was born May 18, 1941, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of John and Evelyn (Swenson) Johnson. Her family later moved to Kandiyohi and she graduated from Willmar High School in 1959. On August 8, 1960, she married James E. Swenson at Glenwood Lutheran Church. Five children: Julie, Janie, Jay, Jhna, and Jennifer, were born to their marriage. They lived in the Twin Cities until 1979, when they moved to Albert Lea. Barbara owned and operated the Lakeside Café in Albert Lea for several years. After Jim’s death in 1998, she returned to the Twin Cities for a few years before moving to Willmar.

Barbara was an active member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Kandiyohi. She enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was caring for flowers, riding bike, playing golf, or spending time at the lake. She also enjoyed bowling, listening to music, playing cards, watching sports and games shows, and trips to Culver’s or Dairy Queen for ice cream. She loved to travel and took many trips accompanied by her sisters or her dear friend, David Pierce. Barbara cherished her children and grandchildren immensely, always remembering each and every birthday with love and thoughtfulness.

She is survived by her five children: Julie (Ed) Groeneweg of Albert Lea, Janie (Glenn) Sherburne of Albert Lea, Jay Swenson of Victoria, Jhna (Chad) Bloom of Spicer, and Jenny Swenson of Albert Lea; seven grandchildren: Jackie, Lindsey, Leigha, Amy, James (Bryce), Carly, and Laynee; and a great-grandson: Connor. Also surviving are two sisters: Pat Tank of Villard and Linda Johnson of Clear Lake; and her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Jim in 1998; sister: Nancy Johnson; and infant sister: Judy Johnson.