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HOMESTEAD, Wis. -- Swen LeRoy Sjoquist, 84, born Jan, 21, 1942, to Roy and Irma (Pearson) Sjoquist of Homestead, Wis., passed away peacefully in his sleep with his family by his side on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Swen grew up in Homestead alongside his four sisters -- Eldean, Beverly, Carmen, and Donna -- and his younger brother, Bill. As a young man, you could find him helping in his father's sawmill, riding his Shovelhead, or down at Edwards Station washing car windows, singing, and pumping gas -- always ready with a grin and a story.
Swen loved the outdoors with a passion few could match. Hunting, fishing, and cuttin' wood were his happiest places. Give him a chainsaw, a splitting maul, and 16 cords of wood to stack, and he was content. The only thing he loved more was his 5-foot-4-inch spitfire, Bubbles. Together for 60 years -- her first kiss in eighth grade -- their love language was playful bickering, and at 6 feet, 2 inches, he never did win an argument. But through thick and thin, they won at life together.
Swen had a quick wit and a gift for storytelling that was second to none. He could tell a joke that left your stomach aching and your smile sore. He lived for April Fools' Day and the chance to pull a good prank. Some of his favorite memories were made around poker games at huntin' camp, shootin' trap, corn roasts, bonfires, and beers shared with friends. His love of country music -- Cash, Conley, Jones -- paired perfectly with his deep baritone voice and well-worn cowboy hats.
After 36 years with Wisconsin Electric, Swen retired as lead lineman. He was a hardworking family man, adored by his four daughters and loving wife. Even after long days on the power lines, little giggles awaited his pony-knee rides. Family vacations, fishin' the backwater, pulling snags from trees above and rocks below at Washburn Falls, bird hunting with Blue and cross-country skiing with their favorite crew -- Swen lived every moment as a true family man.
There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to keep those he loved safe and protected.
Swen is survived by his loving wife, Bubbles (Haferkorn) Sjoquist; his four daughters, Roxanne (Paul) Holton, Donna (Steve) Trudell, Lori (the late Dave) Neuens, and Shannon Sjoquist; and his beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Swen was preceded in death by his parents; his four sisters, Donna Lee Sjoquist of Homestead, Wis., Eldean (Sjoquist) Wilch of Marinette, Wis., Beverly (Sjoquist) Keena of Chicago, and Carmen (Farrel) Eady of Chicago; and his brother, Bill (Bernie) Sjoquist of Kiel, Wis.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, with military honors at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., then VFW service at 11 a.m. with the funeral service to follow.
Special thanks to the Hospice Care Team -- Dr. Allstrom, Heather, Brittany, and the rest of the staff at Marshfield Medical Center -Dickinson.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Swen L. Sjoquist online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.