Ralph Swor

Life History for Ralph Swor
Ralph Swor, age 84 of Nelson, passed away on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at the Community Memorial Home in Osakis, MN.
Ralph Calvin Swor was born on April 24, 1925 in Osakis,MN to Cever and Marie Magalena (Dohman) Swor. As a young man, Ralph served his country in the U. S. Army. When he returned to Osakis after his time in the service, he began working for Osakis Silo Company. On May 7, 1949 he was united in marriage to Marjorie Kallstrom in Alexandria, MN. He began working for Alexandria Concrete and took an additional welding course to assist him in doing repairs at the concrete factory. He worked there for over 36 years, retiring in 1986. The Swor's moved to rural Nelson in 1978, where Ralph enjoyed doing some farming in addition to his concrete work. Ralph also took a course with the police academy in Arden HillsMN in 1975and was hired to help the City of Osakis in Civil Defense and eventually as a police officer.
Ralph was a lifelong member of the Osakis Lutheran Church and the Osakis VFW Post. He was active at his church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and as a church board trustee. He was an A.A. member and mentor.
Some of Ralph's favorite past times included being outdoors either hunting, trapping or ice fishing. Each season he planted a garden and enjoyed sharing the delicious sweet corn he raised with his family and friends. Although his pet dogs were his favorite, Ralph was an animal lover who also enjoyed working with his beef cows.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marjorie Swor of Nelson; his children, James (Wanda) Swor of Carlos and Suzzette (Darwin) Sibell of Osakis; 5 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; a brother, Lloyd (Viola) Swore of Pocatello, ID; many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 infant children, his brothers, Oscar and Melvin Swor and his sisters, Edna Sibell, Lina Olson, Erna Thomas and Mavis Nelson.
Funeral services for Ralph will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Osakis Lutheran Church with Rev. Ron Calvert officiating. Musicians are organist, Pat Converse and soloists, Jeremiah Swor and Dana Hetland. Scripture will be read by Jim Swor and a family tribute given by Venesha Schmidt. Honorary pallbearers are Reuben and Mary Sibell, Jim Mattson, Ray Rutten, Francis Finnegan, the members of the Osakis Lutheran Church Men's Club and the Osakis VFW Post #7902 Honor Guard.
Active pallbearers are Jeremiah & Marie Swor, Wyatt Urban & Kim Niehoff, Randy & Sarah Roers, Terrill & Venesha Schmidt ,and Calysta Swor.
Interment is at the West Evergreen Cemetery in Osakis with military honors provided by the Osakis VFW Honor Guard and the MN National Honor Guard.
Arrangements were handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis.