Velma L. Swedlund

She grew up in the Sedgwick area and moved to the Colorado Springs area at an early age. Most of her early year memories were from this area. It is here where she enjoyed playing in the creek in the summer and playing in the snow in the winter. Being the oldest of six siblings she had the responsibility of assisting in the care of her brothers and sisters and taking care of the home. It was here at the age of twelve that she received Jesus Christ as her Savior at a tent revival through the Friends Church. This had a great impact on her life.

During her teenage years the family moved to the Fleming area to assist with her uncle’s farm. She finished her high school years at Fleming High. It is at this time she met her husband of 57 years Raymond Swedlund through a mutual friend. They were married June 2, 1946 in Fleming. To this marriage were born four children.

In the late 50’s she approached Raymond to work with him in the banking business which helped develop her business skills. She worked at the Fleming bank until the family moved to Holyoke in 1967 where she began working at the Pioneer bank in Holyoke. In 1971 Velma became the Holyoke City Clerk and held this position for 19 years until her retirement in 1990. Velma was very proud of her accomplishments and all of the great friends she meant through this position.

Velma was a member of the Holyoke Golf Club and was an avid golfer. She participated in several golf tournaments and this was a motivation for her to stay healthy. She was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church which gave her great pride. She enjoyed participating in bible studies. During her retirement years she enjoyed traveling with her husband Ray to various seventh core army reunions. One of her fondest memories was the trip she took with her sister Darlene to Branson MO. It was during her retirement she enjoyed her hobbies of painting, golfing, traveling and trips to Central City.

In April 2008 Velma moved to Sunrise Assisted Living in Westminster, Colorado to be closer to her daughter where she could be assisted with her care. Being closer to family she was able to participate in family functions with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In November 2010 she moved to Bethany Rehabilitation Center where she received great care until her death.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, two children Beth Lehr and Bradley Swedlund and two brothers Carl and Lawrence Chapin. She is survived by her son Terry Swedlund and wife Susan of Clayton, Ohio; daughter Christina Kafka and husband Joe of Westminster, Colorado; eight grand children and fourteen great grand children, two sisters and a brother who will greatly miss her; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial services will be held at Olinger Crown Hill 7777 W. 29 Ave Wheatridge, CO on September 9 at 10:00AM. Graveside services and memorial will be held at Fleming Cemetery Fleming, CO at2:30PM following the memorial service. Reception will follow at the Fleming United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Rehabilitation Center 5301 W 1St Street, Lakewood, CO 80226 in her honor.