"GINNY" BERNICE V. SWARD

Bernice V. “Ginny” Sward passed away comfortably in her sleep on August 12, 2024 at the age of 91 years, 11 months.  

She was born September 12, 1932 to Alvin and Olga (Anderson) Callander.  Ginny was the fourth of five children and grew up on a farm near Coin, MN.  Even though there were many tasks and chores on the farm, Ginny always found time to read.  She boasted that she had read every book in the school library.  Reading was a pastime that she continued throughout the rest of her life.

Ginny met her husband, Ray, in 1949 after being introduced to each other by mutual friends.  They were married in St. Paul on July 5, 1951.  Shortly after marrying, Ray was drafted into the Army and deployed to Korea.  Ginny stayed in South Carolina until his return from the war.  Afterwards, the couple moved to St. Paul, MN before returning to the Grasston MN area in 1960, where they raised 3 sons.  In 1975 Ginny began working at East Central Electric Association, rising to the position of Member Services supervisor before her retirement in 1997.

Besides reading, Ginny’s other passion was the outdoors.  She loved to hunt and fish, often catching larger fish or shooting larger deer than her husband (which Ray was very proud of).  The family would travel at least twice a year to Chief’s Bay in Ontario in search of walleyes and northern pike.  In the early ‘70s, the couple discovered Saskatchewan and the outdoor opportunities there, visiting 4-5 times a year and making lasting friendships.  Ginny volunteered hours with the Kanabec Sportsman’s Club helping with trap shooting events and canoe races.  She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend with a wonderful sense of humor that will be truly missed by all that knew her.

Ginny was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, brother Ralph (Val) Callander, sisters Irene (Len) Jacobson and Louise (Don) Jacobson.   

She is survived by brother Russell (Donna) Callander, sons Chuck (Dana) Sward, Wayde (Pam) Sward, Doug (Marie) Sward, 10 grandchildren, countless great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 23, 2024 at the Hope Lutheran Church in Grasston with Chaplain Shannon Chickering officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Inurnment will be in the Grasston Union Cemetery.

A luncheon will be held at the church following the services.

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