Kris J. Swenson

Kris James Swenson, age 57, of Elkins, Arkansas, passed away on September 23, 2026, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born on May 27, 1969, in Sandwich, Illinois, to Jim Swenson and Dawn (Dienst) Swenson. Kris was a graduate of Leland High School class of 1987 and graduated from the University of Illinois with a master’s degree in Meat Science. He attended and graduated from culinary school while living in Colorado. Kris worked for Tyson Foods as a Senior Food Scientist. He was a member of Sequoyah United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. Kris was a member of two local motorcycle groups in Northwest Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dawn Swenson; and grandparents, Burdell and Marilyn Swenson, and Carl and Charlotte Dienst.

Kris is survived by his father, Jim Swenson and wife June, formerly of Salem, Illinois, now of Venice, Florida; siblings, Trish Swenson-Hedlund and husband Kent of Sandoval, Illinois, Michelle Lape and husband Jeff of Breese, Illinois, and Phil Swenson of Salem, Illinois; grandmother, Patsy Swenson of Shelbyville, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am-11:00 am on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at St. Petrie Lutheran Church located at 1720 N 43rd Rd., in Leland, Illinois 60531, with a Funeral Service following at 11:00 am with Pastor Philip Kittelson officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his mother at Baker Cemetery in Leland, Illinois. To leave a tribute or for more information, please visit www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com Local arrangements are by Turner-Eighner Funeral Home in Somonauk, IL.

Turner-Eighner Funeral Home

13160 W. Rt 34~PO Box 404

Somonauk, IL 60552

(815) 498-2363