Funeral set for Rochester Marine killed in action

Sgt. Kurt Kruize, Billie Jo Kruize
Sgt. Kurt Kruize and his wife Billie Jo Kruize.
Photo Courtesy of the Kruize family

A funeral service and visitation hours are set for a Rochester Marine who died in Afghanistan last week.

Lance Cpl. Curtis Swenson, 20, died last Friday while supporting combat operations in Helmand province. Swenson's visitation will take place Friday evening at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, and the funeral will be held Saturday morning at the church.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has ordered all flags at state and federal buildings to fly at half-staff on Saturday in Swenson's honor. Pawlenty plans to attend Swenson's funeral.

Swenson was a mortarman with Weapons Company in the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment based at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

He joined the Marines after graduating form Mayo High School in 2007. Family and friends have said Swenson loved hunting, fishing, skiing and camping.

He is survived by his wife Katie, parents Dave and Kay, and sister Emily.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.