Emmett Sweningson

Emmett Sweningson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather met the warm embrace of his Creator on Sunday morning, December 14th, 2025 at the age of 93 in Hot Springs, AR.

Emmett was born in Grasston, MN, to Rudolph and Emma Sweningson. He grew up in the small town of Prescott, WI, where he fondly remembers his childhood. Though, he was sure to remind his children of how he delivered papers in all seasons, especially in the dead of winter, and how he had to climb those hills before and after school. This was one of the MANY jobs he had in his life that shaped him into the hard worker and role model he became.

It was while he was living in Prescott that he attended a church function in the basement of Cypress Street Baptist Church in St. Paul, MN and saw the most beautiful woman he had seen, Nancy Elaine Warisch, whom he pursued and eventually married.

Nancy and Emmett were married for a wonderful 66 years! They were always a model couple to those around them. Their children witnessed them live out a Christ-centered marriage filled with love, laughter, flirtation, hard work, and blessings. In that Godly focus, they felt a calling together to raise not only their own children but also a litany of “bonus children” to help raise, love, and point them to the Lord.

Emmett and Nancy moved from Minnesota to Tustin, CA, in 1960 to work for Aeronutronic in Newport Beach until 1965, when Emmett was recommended by a former co-worker to help with a problem that NASA was having with the newly built Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX

Emmett had been working on a special etching process in California that he implemented to fix the problem of the large displays in Mission Control, a process used until they went fully digital in 2006. Emmett worked on Mission Control through various contractors as a director working on those same systems until his retirement in 1997.

Well, semi-retirement, because in 1997, he and Nancy moved to Hot Springs, AR, to live on his 100-acre ranch where they raised cattle, gardened, and constantly improved their ranch. He completely retired around 91 when he finally decided the 100 acres and cattle were “starting” to become a bit much for he and his bride.

Emmett is survived by his best friend and (in his words) the most beautiful woman and amazing help mate in the world, Nancy. He is also survived by his daughter Sue Nalepa (Mickey), Jon Sweningson (Marla), Lee Sweningson (Dawn), and Jay Sweningson, as well as his “bonus children” Troy Miller (Kayla), Tara Allen (Ben). He was also survived by his grandchildren Chris Nalepa, James Nalepa (Emily), Michelle Allen (Daniel),

Serena Sweningson (Zach), Sterling Sweningson (Stephanie), Eric Sweningson (Rachel), Regan Sweningson, Rachel Sweningson, and his “bonus grandchildren” Kaylea Miller, Andrea Hanson (Dan),

Jonah, aka Oscar, Miller (Rachel), and Kayla Clements. He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren and bonus grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mom Emma Sweningson and his brother Rudolph (Andy) Sweningson along with his half siblings Archie Sweninngson, Ralph Sweninngson, and Eleanor Sweninngson Underwood. He was also preceded in death by his “bonus daughter” Cindy Duscher (Ralph) and his grandson Tyler Emmett Sweningson.

Emmett will be celebrated with family and friends at the Hoff Funeral Home in Houston, MN at 11:00am on Saturday, December 20, 2025. There will be a time for fellowship and reminiscing followed by a graveside service at Swede Bottom Cemetery at 1:00pm.

Emmett’s ordained son, Jay Sweningson, will be the officiant. The pallbearers will be his sons Jon Sweningson and Lee Sweningson; son-in-law Mickey Nalepa; “bonus son” Troy Miller; grandsons, Chris Nalepa, James Nalepa, and Sterling Sweningson; and “bonus grandson” Jonah Miller.

Emmett lived a life of hard work, self reliance, continual learning, and strong faith.

He will truly be missed, but what a wonderful, blessed 93 years of life worth celebrating!