Nathanael Gordon Swedberg

About Nat

Nathanael Gordon Swedberg, 93, of Blackduck passed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, January 12, 2024, at his son’s home.

“Nat/Sonny” (as his mother called him) was born to Joseph and Vera Swedberg on November 19, 1930 at their homestead east of Blackduck. Nat married Mary Elizabeth Smith on August 25, 1951 at Alvwood Evangelical Free Church.

He joined the United States Air Force and moved to Biggs Air Force base in El Paso, Texas. Following his honorable discharge in 1954, they settled in Blackduck. During the years that their five children were small, Nat worked at the Blackduck Creamery, worked as a meat cutter in the local grocery stores, and later as a custodian at the Blackduck Public School for many years. After his job hours, he had farm land to work, milked cows and later ran beef cattle.

When his youngest son graduated from high school, Nat and Mary moved to Deeper Life Bible Camp where he served his Lord by being camp caretaker for many years. He retired from DLBC in 2001, making their home once again east of Blackduck.

Nat was a longtime member of Blackduck Evangelical Free Church serving in many positions within the church. He loved the Lord with all his heart and desired that his children, grandchildren, and friends would do the same. Nat enjoyed good music, often singing along and tapping his hands and feet to the music. He also enjoyed the outdoors, watching and feeding birds and deer, camping with family, and spending time with family and friends.

Nat is survived by five children; Larry (Cathy) Swedberg, Iowa, Vonnie (Lonnie) Wernberg, Sannie (Daryl) Wallin, Jim (Brenda) Swedberg, and Tim (Julie) Swedberg, all of Blackduck; Brother, Joel (Anita) Swedberg; Sisters, Doris Lundberg and Arlys (Jerry) Rockensock; Sister-in-laws, Betty Sydow and Ruth Ferdig; 26 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 ½ years, Mary (2018); son Jerry (1953); daughter Judy (1955); daughter-in-law, Cindy (2018); his parents, Joseph and Vera; brother David; sister, Audrey; brother-in-law, Robert Lundberg; father and mother-in-law, Roland and Mabel Smith; brother and sister-in-laws, Illa (Simon) Michalicek, Rosa (William Nelson), Daniel (Beatrice) Smith, Robert (Agnes) Smith, Lois (Wesley) Beach, and William Ferdig.

memorial service

Funeral Services for Nat

January 20, 2024

Blackduck Evangelical Free Church 241 Oscar Ave, Blackduck, MN 56630, USA

Rev. Dwight Warden will be officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Blackduck Evangelical Free Church from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at the Moose Park Cemetery in Moose Park Township.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home