Ardis Bloom Swenson, former publisher of The Stanley Republican, was born on May 12, 1927, in Franconia, Minnesota, to Hjalmar and Jennie Pierson. She studied dance and graduated early in 1944 from Chisago Lakes High School. 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.”
In August 1968, she sold the newspaper to Joseph Frazedin of Fulda, Minnesota, and married Richard Swenson. The family moved to Polk County, Wisconsin, where they became co-owners of Calderwood Lodge on Bone Lake.
Ardis died on Jan. 27, 2023, at the age of 95. She was survived by two sons, Thomas and Douglas, and three daughters, Wendy, Nancy and Kathleen.
