Vivian "Swede" Orville Swedhin

April 25, 1926 - May 16, 2017

Vivian Orville (Swede) Swedhin, 91, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Tuesday, May 16th, at the Pioneer Health Care Center in Rocky Ford, CO. Vivian was born in Vroman, CO on April 25, 1926, a son of the late Florence A. (Cooper) and Walter Edward Swedhin. He was the first of six children. As a child the family moved back and forth between Buena Vista, CO and Rocky Ford, CO, eventually settling in Rocky Ford. Swede did not like his given name but being ½ Swedish, the nickname stuck. Swede graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1946, while attending high school Swede also drove a school bus for the Rocky Ford School District. Swede loved his cars and motorcycle and even dabbled in racing. After high school he went to work as a gas station attendant/auto mechanic for Huri- Back Gas Station, on the corner of Second Street and Elm Ave. In 1952, Swede was asked to help some young ladies move. That is when he met the love of his life, Wilma Stubbs. On May 3, 1953, Wilma Stubbs and V.O. Swedhin were married at the Assembly of God church in Fowler, CO. She preceded him in death in 2012. As they started their life together they decided to go into business for themselves and rented the Conoco station at 10th and Elm Street, they did so well that Conoco came in and built a larger service station for them on the exact spot. In 1964, Swede and Wilma acquired the station at 12th and Swink Ave. operating as Swede's Conoco until they changed brands and then the business became Swede's Service and U-Haul, until they retired in 1992. Over the years they employed many young men to work in the station. Wilma helped run the business as well as their three children. He had also worked several campaigns at American Crystal Sugar Company while operating the service stations. Swede was a member of the Assembly of God Church which was on the corner of 7th and Swink Ave., as the congregation grew, he and several of the men in the church built the new building at 1st and Veatch Ave. Which is now Faith Assembly of God, he served as a deacon and volunteered for many years. His service to the community and the church led him to become a Gideon. Swede is survived by children: Darrell (Linda) Swedhin of Longmont, CO, Darla (Paul) Mason of Pueblo, CO, and Steven (Angie) Swedhin of Cheraw, CO. Grandchildren: Kara (Jason) Wojcik of Loveland, CO, Sarah (Ryan) Johnston of Sachse, TX, and Christopher (Dr. Emily Duethman) Swedhin of Wichita, KS, Alisha Mason and Tyler Mason of Pueblo, CO, Bethany Swedhin and Hunter Swedhin of Cheraw, CO. Great-Grandchildren: Noah Wojcik, Marshall Wojcik, Miles Wojcik all of Loveland, CO, Kristjana Johnston, Jachin Johnston, and Ethan Johnston of Sachse, TX. Also surviving Swede are sisters: Doris Stahlecker of Texas and Yvonne (Dale) Kunau of Rush, CO. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Wilma (Stubbs)Swedhin, brothers Glen Swedhin and Oliver Swedhin, and sister Lucille Blanchard. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 20th at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home in Rocky Ford, CO with Pastor Brian officiating. Interment will be in the Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com