Cheryl Swenson, 75, of Ulen, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Born on July 18, 1948, in Fosston, MN, Cheryl was the eldest child of Orton and Hallis (Nansen) Bakke. She grew up alongside her younger brothers, Dwight and Gary, in Moorhead, MN. In 1968, Cheryl married Douglas Poseley, and their union brought forth two beloved daughters, Sandra and Charlene. In 1984, she found the love of her life in Gustave Swenson, and with this union, Sandra and Charlene welcomed three new siblings into their lives: Shawn, Sherri, and Amber. The family made their home in Dilworth, MN, where Cheryl and Gus decided to open their hearts and home to foster children, providing care and love to numerous children over the years. During this time, they legally became the guardians of Curtis and Damian Schmoll, expanding their family even further. After their children graduated from high school, Cheryl and Gus returned to Ulen.

Cheryl was known for her passion for quilting. She lovingly crafted jean quilts for each of her children and grandchildren, and her cozy blankets were always in demand. She was also famous for her delectable donuts, a treat eagerly anticipated by all who visited. She had to keep a stash hidden for herself and Gus, as they would mysteriously disappear, even those she stashed in the freezer. Cheryl's culinary talents extended to her banana and zucchini bread, as well as her delicious apple butter. Every autumn, she could be found in the kitchen, canning tomatoes, and preparing her signature apple butter and bread and butter pickles.

Cheryl's favorite pastime was attending car shows with Gus in their gorgeous Pink Cadillac. Her eyes would twinkle, and a smile would grace her face when asked about it. She loved taking photos at these events and sharing her experiences with friends and family. She also cherished going on rummage sale hunts, always on the lookout for bargains and new additions to her ever-growing cookie jar collection.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Orton and Hallis Bakke, and her brother, Dwight. She is survived by her loving husband, Gus, and their children: Sandra (Mike) Masche, Shawn (Betti) Swenson, Charlene (Glen Svenningsen) Poseley, Sherri (Wes) Dahl, Amber Lien, Curtis Schmoll, and Damian Scholl. Cheryl leaves behind 18 adoring grandchildren; 16 cherished great-grandchildren; and brother, Gary Bakke. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11 a.m., with a visitation starting one hour prior, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen. Inurnment will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery – West, Ulen.