Getting to Know Our Resident – Chuck and Barb Swanson

 

Residents, Chuck and Barb SwansonChuck and Barb have been lifelong Minneapolitans and started dating in 1959 after meeting at a Luther League church event. We married at the same church five years later and remain members, with a combined membership of about 140 years! Chuck is a faithful choir member, and we actively participate in many outreach activities including Meals on Wheels and Lutheran Social Service support of unwed mothers. We attended the University of Minnesota, as commuters, and earned degrees in Special Ed/Elementary Ed (Barb) and Chemical Engineering (Chuck). Chuck pursued his Ph.D. in Biophysics at Harvard University. After a short career in special ed in Massachusetts, Barb stayed home to raise a daughter and son until Chuck completed his degree and we returned to south Minneapolis. Chuck began his career in the Chemical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota. After five years he was offered a position in Regulatory Affairs at Medtronic, which involved approval for new medical devices. His productive and rewarding career for the wonderful organization lasted nearly 30 years. On retirement, Chuck directed a master’s degree program in Regulatory Affairs at St. Cloud State University to prepare students for this important medical device career. Barb opted to be a stay-at-home mom, including numerous volunteer activities, until our children were ready to graduate from Edina High School and then returned to education at Minnehaha Academy. Eventually she retired to assist both our mothers with health issues and then graduated to Grandma duties when our daughter delivered triplets, two girls and one boy. Nearly 24 months later a fourth child, a boy, was added to the family. All are now in college, three juniors and a freshman; the triplets will soon celebrate their 21st birthdays. Our son never married but enjoys being the doting uncle. We moved to Trillium Woods 18 months ago at the start of the COVID shutdown. The timing initially slowed our integration, but now the lifestyle and all the new friendships are perfect for us. We continue to enjoy many of our favorite outdoor activities at our cabin near Park Rapids during the summer months. But our involvement at Trillium Woods including committees, card making, choir, men’s group, bridge, and golf have enhanced our daily lives. Initially we thought we were not yet ready for senior living, but we are very happy we did not delay.