On December 26th, 2019, our loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and neighbor, J LaVell Swenson, escaped his aging body to be reunited with his father, mother, brother, two sons, and many dear friends who had been anxiously awaiting his return. We already miss him so much, but we are comforted to know that he will be preparing a beautiful garden for us to enjoy with him when our life's journeys are complete. LaVell lived a quiet, unassuming, and wonderful life. He was born in Orem, Utah on July 8th, 1928, to John Eldon Swenson and Erma Jarman Swenson. He had a wonderful childhood being raised on a farm—working, playing, and sometimes getting into trouble as children raised on the farm often do. It was on the farm where he developed the attributes that would stay with him throughout his life. Those attributes being love of family, the value of hard work, and the blessing of a good sense of humor. LaVell was very athletic and loved sports. He played throughout his youth and later in life. He especially loved basketball. He played in city leagues and after one tournament was given the Most Valuable Player award. After graduating from Pleasant Grove High School, a friend set LaVell up on a blind date with Mary Josephine Elder. The two found love with one another and were married on September 29th, 1947 in the Salt Lake Temple. They spent over 70 years facing life together side by side. During their early married years, LaVell worked at a creamery. He would bring home delicious cottage cheese and other cheeses for the two of them to enjoy. He also worked a short time at Geneva Steel, spent four years working on an LDS church farm, and owned and operated a service station and car wash. He spent the majority of his working years at Orem High School as head custodian/building engineer. He was known at Orem High for his kindness and sense of humor and was loved by students, faculty and administrators. Family was the most important thing in LaVell's life. Together he and Mary Jo had five children, David LaVell Swenson, Rodney E Swenson, Diana Lee Swenson Gourley, Joe Neil Swenson (Jolene), and Julie Ann Swenson Keele (Mark). LaVell was a patient and loving father and husband. His children loved him for his warm smile, his sense of humor, and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. After LaVell and Mary Jo retired, the fun and adventures of life truly began. They square danced across the country from Montana to Ohio. They traveled the world by plane, car, and cruise ship. Some of the places they visited were Ireland, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Mexico, France, England, Pennsylvania, Nauvoo, Victoria Island, Niagara Falls, Alaska, Spain, and Morocco. They spent more than fifteen, happy winters in St. George as snow birds where they met dear friends. They truly enjoyed their time in St George with those friends dancing, playing cards, and exploring the area. LaVell was loved by all who interacted with him. Family, neighbors, friends, and even pharmacists and bank tellers treasured their time with him. LaVell is survived by his eternal companion, Mary Jo, three of his children, (Diana, Joe, and Julie), 12 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Dawnetta Sagers and Elma Rae Stubbs, and brothers, Morris Swenson and Garn Swenson. He was preceded in death by two sons, David and Rodney, his mother and father, Erma and Eldon, and his brother Merlyn. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, January 2nd at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem, Utah. There will be a viewing that day from 10am to 10:45am. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to www.walkersanderson.com.