Ardis Bloom Swenson, former publisher of The Stanley Republican, died on Jan. 27. She was 95.
A native of Franconia, Minnesota, she was born on May 12, 1927, to Hjalmar and Jennie (Keding) Pierson. She studied dance and graduated early from Chisago Lakes High School in 1944. Following WWII, she married her high school sweetheart, Ralph Bloom, on June 23, 1946.
The couple moved often as Ralph grew his newspaper business. In 1960, they purchased The Stanley Republican, where they worked together until 1964, when Ralph died at the age of 39. Following his death, Ardis became publisher and editor of the newspaper, and wrote a column “The Melting Pot.” She sold the newspaper in August 1968 to Joseph Frazedin of Fulda, Minnesota.
On August 10, 1968, Ardis married Richard Swenson and the family moved to Centuria, Wisconsin. In 1977, they became co-owners of Calderwood Lodge on Bone Lake outside Luck, Wisconsin.
Ardis is preceded in death by husbands Ralph, Dick and stepdaughter Kelley.
A celebration of Life for Ardis will be held on Feb. 27 at Joy Lutheran Church in Centuria, Wisconsin.
