Ronald "Ron" Swensson

Ronald William Swensson, 78, of Great Falls passed away March 14, 2016.Ron was born June 1, 1937 in Moline, Illinios to Fred and Nina Swensson. He graduated from Moline High School and moved west to attend the University of Montana in Missoula where he earned both a Bachelor and Masters degree in Education and worked as a Smoke Jumper prior to graduation.He met his wife Karen Kuno at the University in Missoula. They married in 1958.Ron and Karen moved to Richland, WA in 1959, where he started his teaching career. After ten years, they moved to Great Falls and Ron taught school in Great Falls "public" School system from 1969 until retirement in 2000. He taught at Sunnyside Elementary School, Lewis and Clark Elementary School and East Middle School. Ron worked as a crop adjuster for several local Insurance agencies during the summer months. After retiring, Ron taught fly tying with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Hooked on Fishing Program for 13 years.He was a talented artist. He loved pottery, watercolor painting and wood carving. He shared his love of art with his students, family and friends. He showed his art at many local art shows. Ron had a passion for fly fishing and fly tying. He spent many hours with his family and friends fishing and telling fishing stories. Later in life, Ron combined his love of fly fishing and art by creating beautiful shadow boxes displaying a hand tied fly and a water color painting of the fly.Ron was an active member of The Missouri River Flyfishers, Walleyes Unlimited and the Smoke Jumper Reunions. He served as a docent and volunteer at the CM Russell Museum.He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen; sons Erik (Dawn) Swensson of Paradise, TX and Thor Swensson of Great Falls; grandchildren Remington Swensson of Fort Worth, TX and Luc Swensson of Great Falls; brother Donald (Claudette) Swensson of Illinois; sister Janet (Bernie) Larson of Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.Ron was preceded in death by his parents.A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CM Russell Museum or Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Hooked on Fishing Program.