“Swede” Harold Svendsen

“Swede” Harold Mervyn Svendsen, 88, of Earlville, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at his home. He was born May 29, 1936, in Sandwich to Mervin and Lois (Wold) Svendsen. He married Judith L. Rider on August 24, 1958. He met Judith L. Rider in January 1958 at the Bub Dance in Triumph. They were married August 24, 1958 and spent 66 wonderful years together.

Swede was the last class to graduate from Rollo High School, where he served as senior class president in a class with six graduates. He was part of the Rollo Eagles basketball team that won the Green River Valley Conference Championships. He was also a member of the Rollo and Shabbona FFA as well as the Rollo 4-H, where he showed Herefords. He held the Rollo High School basketball record for most points scored in a game.

Swede proudly served in the US Navy from 1955-1961. He was a farmer his whole life. Even when he retired from farming, he could still be found in a tractor as recently as fall 2024. He raised livestock, including chickens, pigs and cattle. He also worked as a seed salesman for Asgrow. Swede was very community minded and it showed. He served as a trustee for the Paw Paw Fire Department, eventually retiring from the board after 33 years. He served on the Paw Paw Township Cemetery Board and was a past Paw Paw Township precinct committeeman. He was a member and past director of the DeKalb County Corn Growers and DeKalb County Farm Bureau member. He was a part of the DeKalb County Barn Tour in 2018. Swede was a member of the Mendota Elks Lodge #1212 as well as a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois. He was a member of the Rollo Congregational United Church of Christ for 75 years. He even formed the church’s first men’s softball league in Rollo.

Swede had numerous hobbies. He was an avid gardener and sweet corn grower. He loved to fish, play cards, and was a John Deere enthusiast. Swede loved local sports and especially enjoyed going to the games of his grandkids and great-grandkids. The highlight for him was when his great-granddaughter, Madyson, broke the Earlville High School girls basketball record for most career points, surpassing even Swede’s highest game points from his playing days in Rollo. He loved trips with the grandchildren to Cubs Opening Day and Cubs Convention. He would attend many Cubs and White Sox games with Adam, Kora, and Jeff. He is a 5 years lung cancer survivor. He enjoyed his Wednesday social hour with his friend Wayne. Swede was a frequent flyer of the Beaver Den in Paw Paw and the BP in Earlville. Thank you to the staff of both establishments for always taking care of him.

Swede is survived by his children, Jeff (Joetta) Svendsen of West Brooklyn, Char (Dean) Hawbaker of Mt. Dora, FL, Larry (Carol) Svendsen of Shabbona, and Stacy Richardson of Earlville; grandchildren, Ashley (Ron) Hawbaker, Jessica (Brent) Olson, Lucas Svendsen, Lindsay Svendsen, J. Adam (Alyssa) Svendsen, Kaylie (Jake) Pratt, and Joel Svendsen; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Madyson, Kora, and Benjamin;brother, Charles (Anna) Svendsen; sister, Patricia Schou; sisters-in-law, Barb Klatt and Paula Rider; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Swede is preceded in death by his wife, Judith; son-in-law, Ray Richardson; sisters-in-law, Helen Algiere and Peggy Fassig; brothers-in-law, William “Bill” Rider, Jerry Klatt, Duane Fassig, and Howard Schou.

Cremation care has been provided by Torman Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Memorial visitation will be from 2-5 P.M. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Rollo Congregational United Church of Christ. The family invites you to wear Cubs and John Deere gear. A private family funeral service will be held on Sunday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Paw Paw Fire Department for the Paw Paw EMT program. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.