My Dear Uncle Fred Swenson

I just received word that my Uncle Fred has passed away at the amazing age of 102 and 1/2. Uncle Fred lived his life in and around Cottonwood Falls. His influence brought me and my husband to be, to Cottonwood Falls April 1, 2004, not only to celebrate Fred%26#39;s 100th birthday but to also marry my sweetheart in the old court house in Cottonwood Falls. My husband and I returned to Cottonwood Falls April 1, %26#39;05, and April 1, of this year, again to celebrate the life of Fred Swenson and to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

What a wonderful,smart, funny guy my Uncle Fred was. I%26#39;m so grateful that I had all these years to visit with him. Our visits met so much to Uncle Fred as well. This year on his 102, my husband and I, my brother and his kids traveled from Seal Beach and Lake Arrowhead CA to surprise him at his birthday party. Being the dear tender hearted man that he is, Uncle Fred first told us he was wondering if we would be there, then shed a few tears. His California family shed a few tears as well.

I%26#39;d like to thank all the kind folks in Cottonwood Falls that we have had the pleasure to meet. What a wonderful community of fine people.

My husband and I will again be visiting Cottonwood Falls on April 1, %26#39;07. Fred has gone on to his final reward but our memories pull us back to your town.

With love in my heart,

Annelle Aviani-Baum

Seal Beach, CA

My Dear Uncle Fred Swenson

What a nice remembrance of your uncle! I have come to appreciate more and more over the years the presence in my life growing up of my uncles and aunts and great-uncles and great-aunts.