Svend E. Tengbom
January 26, 1922 - October 18, 2016
        

Of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin was born in the scenic port town of Korsør, Denmark. He grew up on the water and spent his childhood sailing the boat his grandfather built for him. He served in the Royal Danish Navy, and later studied maritime engineering in Copenhagen. Svend travelled around the world with the Danish merchant marine as a ship’s engineer. In 1951, he came to the United States on the Queen Mary with his wife and their baby daughter. Although he became an American citizen, he remained deeply proud of his heritage.

Throughout his life, Svend worked as a design engineer for Evinrude, P&H Harnischfeger, Fairbanks Morse, White Motor Co., and Waukesha Engine. He believed that coming to America had afforded him professional opportunities that he otherwise would not have experienced.

At the age of 61, Svend took up jogging and participated in local charity runs until his late 70s. He also became an avid ballroom dancer in his later years, and particularly enjoyed the tango. Svend never lost his love of sailing, whether it was on the ocean or the waters of Lake Michigan. 

Svend was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Rochella Tengbom (née Nielsen), and eldest daughter, Winnie Tengbom. He is survived by his daughters Lynn Tengbom of Seattle, Washington, and Lisa Tengbom of Cudahy, Wisconsin.

Lynn and Lisa would like to thank the staff at St. John’s on the Lake nursing home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for their kindness and care. Please consider donations in Svend’s memory to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association www.wiparkinson.org