Sandra I. Swenson

Sandra I. Swenson, 80, also known as “Sandi” of Black Hawk, South Dakota, peacefully passed away September 18, 2024, in her home.

Sandi was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on November 13, 1943, the daughter of Sanford and Gena Swenson. Sandi is also the sister of Gary Swenson and Laurel (Swenson) Gabel. The Swenson family moved from Nunda, South Dakota, to Sioux Falls where they made a living farming. Sandi graduated from Sioux Falls Washington High School.

She married her first husband, Ronald Cleland in 1963. Together they had two children. A daughter, Kristi Cleland and son Philip (Scott) Cleland. Sandi worked hard at Bell Telephone Office as an operator while putting Ron through college. She got to live in South Dakota, California, Tennessee, and Arizona. 

Sandi always said “Out of all the places I lived, I loved the Black Hills of South Dakota the most.” She didn’t only work at Bell Telephone she also enjoyed working and owning a campground in the Black Hills. 

Sandi enjoyed working with the her 4-H children and their animals, her horses, her cats and dogs. She also enjoyed traveling and being around her friends and family.  

Sandi’s immediate family consisted of her daughter, Kristi Cleland, Harrisburg, SD and her two daughters Katelynd (Joe and son, Jace) Hendrickson and Myra Whitehead; her son Philip (Keira) Cleland and their daughter, Eve Cleland of Black Hawk, SD. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Sanford Swenson; mother, Inger Helgena “Gena” (Johnson) Swenson; sister, Laurel (Swenson) Gabel; and her brother, Gary Swenson. 

Visitation will be from 6-7 pm Monday, September 23, 2024, at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Black Hawk. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 pm. A memorial service will be at 3 pm, Tuesday, September 24, at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastor Randy Sturzenbecher officiating.

You may sign her online guestbook at www.blackhillsfuneralhome.com.