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Aug. 8, 1950-Aug. 16, 2026
Bottineau
Asmundur Swain Benson II, age 76 of Bottineau, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026 in Fargo. His funeral will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. Visitation will be on Sunday starting at 1:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.
Asmundur "Swain" Benson, a lifelong son of Bottineau and a devoted husband, father, friend, and attorney, leaves behind a legacy of service and deep commitment to his community.
He was born on August 8, 1950, in Bottineau, North Dakota, to Evelyn Fay (Green) and Asmundur Swain Benson, growing up in the community he would one day serve. Swain graduated from Bottineau High School in 1968 and went on to attend the North Dakota School of Forestry, now known as Dakota College at Bottineau.
Swain married Kathleen Loveland on July 25, 1970 and moved to Grand Forks, ND to attend undergrad and eventually, law school. Kathy remained by his side as he pursued his education, built his career, and raised a family. Together, they were blessed with four children: Anthony Swain, Sarah Ruth, Brooke Kathleen, and Laura Fay.
Proudly following in his father's footsteps, Swain graduated from the University of North Dakota with his undergraduate degree in 1972, received his degree in Counseling and Guidance in 1974, and earned his Juris Doctor in 1977. That same year, he was admitted to the State Bar of North Dakota.
Swain and his family returned to Bottineau where he began practicing law with his father at Benson Law Office. Over the years, he served as Assistant District Attorney, practiced as a defense attorney, and in 2000 was appointed Bottineau County State's Attorney, a role he held until 2018. He then continued serving individuals and families through his private legal practice. Across nearly 50 years in law, Swain became known not only for his legal knowledge, but also for his steady presence, thoughtful counsel, and sincere dedication to the people he represented.
His contributions extended far beyond the courtroom. Swain served and supported numerous organizations dedicated to strengthening the lives of others, including Families Flourish of North Dakota, formerly Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota for over 30 years; Lutheran Social Services Gamblers Choice as peer mentor for 17 years; and Legal Counsel for Indigents. He was also well known for his service as Bottineau's City Attorney. Through each role, he gave generously of his time, experience, and caring heart.
Those who worked with Swain were fortunate to know the person behind the title. He held his professional relationships close, respected his peers, cared about his clients, and brought both intelligence and humanity to his work. He had a way of making people feel heard, and his influence reached well beyond the cases he handled or the offices he held.
Swain was a member of First Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council. His life reflected his belief in showing up for his family, profession, faith, and community.
It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to Swain, and with great pride and gratitude that we remember him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the community he served, his colleagues and clients, and the many lives made better because of him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to HIA Heather’s House in Fargo, Camp Metigoshe or First Lutheran Church in Bottineau.
Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may share memories online at www.nero funeralhome.net.
Published by The Minot Daily News, August 22, 2026.