Gary Glen Swenson

COL Gary G. Swenson, (US Army retired) 75, Fairfax Station, VA died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home on Friday, 13 June 2025. Gary was born to Mr. A.L. and Garnett (Crain) Swenson in Oelwein IA on 23 June 1949, graduated from Storm Lake (Iowa) High School in 1967, from the University of South Dakota in 1971 with a Bachelor Science degree in Business Administration, and from Iowa State University in 1973 and 1976 with a Master of Science and Doctorate in Economics, respectively. Upon graduation, he began serving in the United States Army as a Field Artillery officer. While on active duty, he completed a Master of Business Administration in 1994 from Marymount University of Virginia and the United States Army War College. COL Swenson’s final US Army assignment was as Chief of Staff at the Center for Army Analysis, stationed at Ft. Belvoir VA. After 30 years in the Army, he retired to enjoy tutoring at Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), HAM radio events with the Mount Vernon Amateur Radio Club (MARV), yard (especially Zoysia grass) and home maintenance!

Gary met Sheila Taylor while both were assigned to the 56th Field Artillery Brigade (Pershing) in 1986 and finally tied the knot on November 26, 2004. Left to cherish his memory are his wife (Sheila), his sister Tania (Dennis) Gutz of Storm Lake IA and his brother Greg (Janet) Swenson of Chesapeake VA, two nieces Jennifer (John) Hildman of Sargent Bluff IA and Ashley (Bobby) Richeson; five nephews: John (Dianna) Swenson of Virginia Beach VA, Chad (Lenny) Swenson of Fairfax VA, Christopher Mattingly of Harvest AL, Daniel (Kali) Mattingly of Owensboro KY, and Bradley (Megan) Mattingly and numerous grand nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved furry child, Danny.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, at 11:30 with a reception following at Grace Lutheran Church, 1601 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge, VA. Gary's interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Humane Society or favorite charity.