Harry “Jim” James Swenson

Harry attended school at Carleton through the 8th grade and went on to Bruning High School where he graduated in 1962. Following high school graduation, Harry worked the summer in Minden doing construction. Since Minden was 80 miles away from his parent’s house, Harry decided to rent out a room at a local inn for a dollar a night. The innkeeper’s sister was Karen. Harry invited Karen for a ride in his car. They quickly became inseparable and it became apparent that they would someday marry.

Harry decided to keep doing what he enjoyed as a kid and started the Diesel Mechanic Program in February of 1963 at SCC – Milford. He attended school while also working as an automotive tech at GMC –  Lincoln. With any free time, he and Karen loved to be with each other. Excited to start their lives together, the two were married on September 20th, 1964. He enjoyed sharing that Karen worked at the Steward Building in downtown Lincoln as an Elevator Operator to put him through college. He graduated from SCC – Milford in February 1965. After graduation, he continued his employment at GMC – Lincoln as a diesel mechanic.

Harry was drafted on Valentine’s day in 1966. Harry’s unit was the Third Target Acquisition 23rd Artillery Battalion. He was a Field Artillery Surveyor and Forward Observer. Following 2 years of active duty, they moved back to Lincoln and Harry served 4 years in the reserves. While in the reserves, he resumed work at GMC – Lincoln as a diesel mechanic through 1971. In 1972 he began his career with Cornhusker International Trucks. Harry performed the following roles throughout his 40 year career with Cornhusker International Trucks: Floor Mechanic, Assistant Service Manager, Service Manager at Lincoln and Omaha branches, Service Advisor for Lincoln, Omaha, Norfolk, and North Platte, and Sales. Although he enjoyed working with his hands and being on the floor, he excelled most at relationships and management. He managed 33 stalls and 28 mechanics. Eventually, Harry retired from Cornhusker International Trucks in 2012.

Harry loved to socialize. He had many favorite activities including: golf, shuffleboard, camping, and playing cards or other games. He was involved in many groups and organizations such as: the Shriners, Scottish Rites, Masons, the American Legion, Matt Talbot, and of course their camping group. Harry was also the head of their church facility department at the Church of the Brethren. In Harry’s last year, he became an active member of Cross the Line Church.

Harry was an amazingly, hilarious story-teller. On each occasion he would tell many stories and jokes, always nailing the punchline. He was also an extremely proud husband, parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent. His family knew that he was proud of them as he would constantly tell of it. He was unfailingly in his family’s corner.

Harry was preceded in death by: his parents Willard and Isabelle (Bailey) Swenson, his brother Sam (Sue) Swenson, his brother-in-law Tom Yelken, and his sister-in-law Shirley (Laverne) Quadhamer.

Harry was survived by: his wife Karen Swenson, his daughter Carmen (Brad) Paswaters, his son Matthew Swenson, grandchildren; Levi (Nicole) Paswaters, Logan (Lacey) Paswaters, Luke (Brianna) Paswaters, Hunter Swenson, and Taylor (Tyler) Renshaw, great grandchildren; Greyson Paswaters, Harper Paswaters, Nora Paswaters, James Paswaters, and baby William Paswaters, sister-in-law Carol Yelken, nephews; Sam (Deana) Swenson, Scott Swenson, Scott (Lori) Yelken, Steve (Colleen) Quadhamer, Lynn (Cindy) Quadhamer, and his niece Mary (Phil) Kottmeyer.

Although his family and friends are deeply saddened by his loss, they rejoice knowing he is spending eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Celebration of Life: 10:00 am Monday, April 14, 2025, Cross the Line Church, 5925 Adams St. Burial at 1:00 pm, Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Rd. with military graveside rites.

Visitation with family greeting friends from 3-5 pm, Sunday, April 13, 2025, Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 ‘O’ St.

Memorials to Cross the Line Church.

“There’s a lid for every pot. My pot’s pretty crooked but Karen’s fits me just right.”

“The best thing that ever happened is when I married Karen.”

“When it comes to dying, I hope I go first because I don’t want to live without her.”