Gary Swenson, son of Barney and Della Swenson, was born on January 10, 1942 at Colville's Nursing home in Valley City. He graduated from Valley City High School in 1961 and grew to manhood here.

Gary worked for awhile for his uncle Roy Martin, at the Baldhill Electric Co., and then joined the Navy in 1962. While serving his four years in the service, Gary obtained the rank of machinist's mate. He spent most of his time aboard the USS Hamner, a destroyer in the Pacific Fleet. He was discharged in 1966.

He returned to Valley City some time after his discharge and went back to work for his uncle. He then went to Bismarck, North Dakota, where he worked at Edlund Electric until 1971. He also went to Fargo, North Dakota, for a short time and worked for Globe Electric. He returned home again, this time to go to work for Keene Electric of Valley City for about six months. In 1973 he went to work for Grotberg Electric where he is still employed as a journeyman electrician.

Gary was united in marriage to Claire Aalgaard on August 8, 1971. Their son, Lonnie, was born August 8, 1973.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 242