Frank Richard Swenson

Frank will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a respected educator, a proud veteran, and a man whose life was marked by service, teaching, and quiet integrity.

Frank was born June 13, 1933 to Donald and Florence Swenson and was raised in Clay Center, Kansas, where he graduated from high school in 1951. From 1951 to 1956, he served honorably in the Navy as an Aviation Guided Missileman. Frank pursued higher education in mechanical engineering earning both his BS and MS from the University of Kansas and PhD from the University of Iowa.

Frank married the love of his life, Janice A. Godschalx on December 31, 1960.

Frank devoted his professional life to teaching mechanical engineering serving on the faculty at the University of Missouri, University of Stirling in Scotland, WPI in Massachusetts, and Trine University (professor emeritus and department head) in Angola. He distinguished himself as an outstanding teacher, ranked among the best at the university.

Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Janice Swenson of Angola, Indiana, children Donna Swenson of Angola, Indiana and Eric Swenson (Kristine) of Florida, along with his 5 beloved grandchildren Sean, Seth (Julia), Sydney (Zach), Annie, Rory, and 2 great grandchildren Elias and Ezra. He was preceded in death by his daughter Dawn Swenson.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am, Saturday February 7th, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 700 W. Maumee Street, Angola, Indiana.

Visitation will be from 10:00 -11:00 am, Saturday February 7th, 2026, prior to the service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Trine University Mechanical Engineering Department. Please send to Ellen Paxton, Assistant VP Advancement, Trine University, One University Avenue, Angola, Indiana 46703.