Franklyn Swensen

     Franklyn Swensen, 87, of Gilbert, AZ passed away Saturday, August 17th, 2024.  He was born on May 17th, 1937 in Sweetgrass, Montana to Bert Swensen and Pauline Lozing Swensen, who were farmers. 

     Frank was a hard worker. He told stories of working on the farm from the age of 5 and up.  He was a military veteran, having served 20 plus years in the United States Navy. Frank received several medals and letters from his commanding officers for his leadership and bravery.

     After his service in the military, he worked at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company in Hanford, California, where he lived for 50 years. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix on those machines.  Even the head CEO would come to him for advice. He was knowledgeable in every area of the tire plant. 

     Franklyn was one of the smartest men you would ever want to meet. His wisdom exceeded many well schooled professors. 

     Frank loved to walk several miles a day, rebuild cars, and tinker around in his shop building on a daily basis. His greatest love however, was his wife Susie, who was “the only girlfriend he ever had.”

They were married for 65 years.

     Franklyn is  proceeded in death by his wife, Susie Louise Thompson Swensen. Franklyn is survived by his children, Ann Metcalf(Gary), Karen Lambert (Buddy), Bert Swensen(Tara), John Swensen(Martha), and Lisa Trujillo. Grandchildren are Lori Washburn (Eric),  Gary Lee Metcalf , Scott Metcalf (Azad, Jane), Joshua Metcalf, Kara Thornton (Waymon), Brittaney Sawyer(Tyler), Collean Nettles(Bryce), Jeremy Lambert(Ariana), Kristen Lambert,  Emily Swensen, and John Michael Swensen. He is also survived by several great grandchildren. He has one surviving sibling, Bertha Swensen Jacobsen, of Cut Bank, Montana.