1917
Ralph
2012
Ralph Swensen
October 6, 1917 — May 2, 2012
Ralph "Tuffy" Swensen, 94, retired rancher and oilman, passed away on May 2, 2012 at a Great Falls hospital from natural causes. A celebration of his life will be held on his 95th birthday. To honor the passing of his beloved pound-puppy Grizzy, who died at his master’s feet on April 22, 2012, it was Tuffy’s wish that any memorials be sent to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Whitted Funeral Chapel of Shelby is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for family members may be posted at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.
He was born on October 6, 1917 in Cloverland, Washington. He was the 7th child of 8 children born to Broder Jensen, "BJ", and Kirsten Marie Swensen. The family moved to Montana in 1918 and eventually settled in the northeast corner of Glacier County.
After graduating from the 8th grade, Tuffy worked as laborer, miner, welder, and mechanic in Conrad, the Sweetgrass Hills, and Butte. He returned home in 1940 to help his mother after his father passed. He purchased his mother’s homestead in 1947. He farmed while working as a machinist and welder.
He married Marian C. Dougherty in 1950. Together they purchased adjacent farm land and began raising cattle; eventually expanding the operation by purchasing additional land and raising registered Herefords. During the 60's and 70's, he became an oilman.
He will be missed for his quick wit and astute mind. He always had a wink in his eye for the ladies. He loved KFC, a rare ribeye, and his sweets. He was a life-long fan of the NHL. In his later years, he became an avid fan of baseball and rooted vigorously for whoever was playing against the Yankees. He never missed a second of the televised National Rodeo Finals and especially enjoyed bull riding as he rooted for the bulls. His passion was playing cards and, in particular, cribbage.
He was married three times; divorced once and twice a widower. He is survived by his children, Cecelia Swensen, Ralph "Eddie" Swensen, Marilyn (Rod) Perry, and Anita Swensen; his stepchildren, Anna (Lyle) Case and Karen (Floyd) Brandt; his grandchildren, William (Tiffany) Allen and Jana Perry; and his beloved step-grandchildren, Jessica, Heather, Jacquie and Shelby.
He was born on October 6, 1917 in Cloverland, Washington. He was the 7th child of 8 children born to Broder Jensen, "BJ", and Kirsten Marie Swensen. The family moved to Montana in 1918 and eventually settled in the northeast corner of Glacier County.
After graduating from the 8th grade, Tuffy worked as laborer, miner, welder, and mechanic in Conrad, the Sweetgrass Hills, and Butte. He returned home in 1940 to help his mother after his father passed. He purchased his mother’s homestead in 1947. He farmed while working as a machinist and welder.
He married Marian C. Dougherty in 1950. Together they purchased adjacent farm land and began raising cattle; eventually expanding the operation by purchasing additional land and raising registered Herefords. During the 60's and 70's, he became an oilman.
He will be missed for his quick wit and astute mind. He always had a wink in his eye for the ladies. He loved KFC, a rare ribeye, and his sweets. He was a life-long fan of the NHL. In his later years, he became an avid fan of baseball and rooted vigorously for whoever was playing against the Yankees. He never missed a second of the televised National Rodeo Finals and especially enjoyed bull riding as he rooted for the bulls. His passion was playing cards and, in particular, cribbage.
He was married three times; divorced once and twice a widower. He is survived by his children, Cecelia Swensen, Ralph "Eddie" Swensen, Marilyn (Rod) Perry, and Anita Swensen; his stepchildren, Anna (Lyle) Case and Karen (Floyd) Brandt; his grandchildren, William (Tiffany) Allen and Jana Perry; and his beloved step-grandchildren, Jessica, Heather, Jacquie and Shelby.
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