Lowell Theodore Swenson, decorated WW II aviator, snowmobile entrepreneur, and airline founder died on Thursday, October 16, 2008, at the Neilson Place in Bemidji, Minnesota, at the age of 86. He was born in Lancaster, Minnesota, on November 9, 1921, where he graduated from high school in 1939.

Shortly after enrolling at the University of North Dakota, Swenson enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. As squadron leader, he was credited with fifty B24 bomber missions over the dangerous skies of Europe. He received numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor.

Upon returning from the war, Lowell finished college at the University of Minnesota where he graduated with an accounting degree in 1947. That same year, he married Marjorie Evelyn Hulme. He began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant with Arthur Anderson, and in 1959, Lowell moved his family to Thief River Falls to become the general manager of an electrical manufacturing business.

In 1965, Lowell put everything he owned on the line and bought the fledgling snowmobile company Arctic Enterprises. Under his leadership as Chairman, President, and CEO, Arctic Cat became a publicly-held, worldwide leader in the growing snowmobile industry. He sold his controlling interest in the original company in 1978 and later came back as an investor and served as chairman for several years of the present day Arctic Cat.

Swenson acquired ownership of two northern Minnesota banks in Baudette and Blackduck with his two oldest sons and helped his two youngest sons purchase the small business Mesaba Aviation and build it into a successful regional airline.

Lowell was very supportive of the city of Thief River Falls and the University of North Dakota and gave countless scholarships, gifts, and support to many activities. He was always proud of the positive economic impact Arctic Cat had on northwestern Minnesota.

Lowells wife Marjorie Evelyn passed away in 2001 after fifty-four years of marriage. In 2002, he married Marjorie Dahl Pinkham Hennessey with whom he was married until her death in 2004.

Lowell is survived by four sons: David (Nancy) Swenson of Bemidji, MN; Alan (Kimber) Swenson of Cody, WY; Robert (Debra) Swenson of Anchorage, AK; Philip (Laurie) Swenson of Grand Rapids, MN; nine grandchildren: Brian (Koren) of Buffalo, MN; Amy (Wayne) Erickson of Brainerd, MN; Kevin (Heidi) of Perham, MN; Benjamin of Anchorage, AK; Casey (Nancy) of Belle Fourche, SD; Maida (Tyler) Fortune of Minneapolis, MN; Carl of Belgrade, MT; Eric of Anchorage, AK; Daniel (Melissa) of Deer River, MN; eleven great grandchildren and two sisters, Cora Schenkey and Ruth Oasheim.
In addition to his wives, he was preceded in death by his parents, Ina and Carl Swenson; his brothers Vincent and Gene, and sisters Edith, Helena, Lillian, and Hildur.
Lowell was loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed. May his memory be blessed.

Lowell Swenson, 86, died Thursday, October 16, 2008 at Neilson Place in Bemidji, MN.