Obituary of Rev. Norman Swensen

Cromwell - Rev. Norman Swensen passed peacefully in his sleep, going home to his Lord on Feb. 22 at Pilgrim Manor in Cromwell, CT. He was born Norman Svensen in Rockford, IL on Nov. 24, 1928. A pastor for over 40 years, Norm was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church. He served churches in IA, IL, and Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester, CT (1967-93) where he was Pastor Emeritus. After retirement he interimed at CT churches in Woodstock, Pomfret, and Hebron. Known lovingly as "Pastor Norm", his compassion for people was legendary. As senior pastor at his churches, he brought them through years of growth and expansion of ministries but was at his best in one-on-one caring and discipleship. "¿not wanting anyone to perish" (II Peter 3:9), evangelism was his passion and he told everyone about life in Christ. While in his wheelchair at the shore he and his son, Scott, led a stranger to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Norm was used by God to bring hundreds to the Lord. "Never wasting an illness" during the five years after his paralyzing stroke he counselled and prayed with visitors and staff from his bed. Whoever he was talking to was the most important person in the world to him and he loved them unconditionally. Though of most importance to Norm was his Saviour, Jesus Christ, and he studied the Bible and loved Him with all his heart, soul, and mind. Norm was instrumental in Billy Graham's 1985 Hartford crusade, Evangelism Explosion, Vision New England, ALPHA, the Sturbridge Committee, Days Inn Foundation ministry, and founded Timeline Ministries. Norm was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Gloria Fast (1929-2010) and brother, Robert Svensen of Delavan WI. He is survived sons Charles (Rhonda) of Manchester, Scott of Broad Brook, Curtis (Kim) of Taunton, MA, and good family friend (fourth "son") Frank Farina; grandchildren Heidi Wallace (Brian), Andrew Swensen, Kyra Shurtleff (Kevin), and Kyle and Callan Swensen; great-grandchildren Benjamin, Abigail, and Kathryn Wallace, and Ayvah Swensen; as well as brothers Kenneth Svensen of Belvedere IL and David Svensen of Oswego IL, eight nieces and nephews. A celebration of Norm's life will be at 11 am, March 19 at Trinity Covenant Church in Manchester, CT. "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10b). Donations may be made to the Covenant Village of Cromwell Benevolent Fund, 52 Missionary Road, Cromwell, CT 06416 or the Trinity Covenant Church Music Ministry, 302 Hackmatack Street, Manchester, CT 06040. Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, Putnam, CT. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com