Glen Marvin Svaren

Glen Marvin Svaren
Glen Marvin Svaren, 83, passed away peacefully Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 at Farmington Square in Medford, Ore. Glen, the son of John and Inga (Engelsgaard) Svaren, was born Jan. 11, 1926 in Sinai Township, S.D. He graduated from High School in Sinai, S.D. in 1943, then served as a Merchant Marine for two years. Glen moved to Medford, Ore., in 1947, where he worked for Medford Tire Service and in 1952 moved to Ashland and worked for Hutchinson Produce Company. On June 8, 1952, he married Esther Fowler in Reno, Nev. In 1964, he and Esther started MAPCO (Mount Ashland Produce Company), a wholesale produce business they owned and operated for 30 years, employing many family members. Glen owned 5 semi-trucks and was the primary driver transporting produce to the Rogue Valley from Ariz., Calif., and Wash., supplying local valley stores and restaurants. Glen retired in 1994, he and Esther were then able to enjoy 16 winters as snowbirds in Mesa, Ariz. where they made many good friends. Glen was a lifetime member of the Ashland Elks Lodge #944. He enjoyed his grandchildren and treasured his Norwegian heritage. His hobbies included traveling and camping in his custom made RV, bowling, playing pool, cards, stamp collecting and wood carving. Grateful for having shared his life are survivors, his wife, Esther, Ashland, Ore. and their four children. Daughters, Glenda (Rick) Walsh, Terry (Phill Trusty) Svaren, Vickie (Rusty) Leard; and son, Andy Svaren. Grandchildren, Roger (Heather) Walsh, Angela Walsh, Tamara (Rick) Spence, Sondra Kuykendall, Becky (Andrew) Rux, Rachelle Svaren, Jeremiah Svaren, Jared (Lora) Leard and Brandi Leard; great-grandchildren, Ethan Walsh, Amanda, Wesley, Kylie, Monte and Gabrielle Spence, Alexis Trusty, Elijah Rux, Lexi, Ryan, Zakai, Maliya and Gavan Leard; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by son, Glen Gary Svaren and grandson, Eric Svaren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Conrad, Melvin and Ivin; sister, Stella Bergin; and infant son, Mark. The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Farmington Square in Medford, Ore. and Asante Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Asante Hospice, RVMC Foundation, Suite 100, 2600 Siskiyou Blvd. Medford, Ore. 97504-8177. Arrangements by Memory Gardens of Medford, Ore. Service will be held at Memory Gardens Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 at 1:00 p.m., 1395 Arnold Lane, Medford, Ore.