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In 1955, a young mother named Marcie Swenson posed for a family photo that would come to represent the roots of five generations. In that picture, Marcie is the “Momma”, sitting on the edge of the sofa. Her little one, Jeff, is being held by Great-Great Grandma Stellar. Marcie beaming with love and determination that defined her life. Eighteen years later, in 1973, Marcie, her husband Arlen Swenson and five more children, made a bold decision that would shape their family’s story for decades to come. They moved their family from St. Paul to Hackensack, Minnesota and became new owners of Green Roof Lodge on Woman Lake. What began as a leap of faith soon became a legacy, as now her children, grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren have enjoyed this quiet strength of small-town life. Now, seventeen years after that 1955 photograph, the circle is complete. Marcie, once the young mother in the picture, is now the great-great grandmother holding little Boden- the newest branch on a deeply rooted family tree. Also pictured is Jeff Swenson, the little one in 1955, now the great grandfather, and his son Shaun and Bryson Swenson, little Boden’s father. From young mother to great-great grandmother, the love that started with Marcie continues to ripple through five generations- a living reminder that family, faith, and courage can carry a legacy far beyond a lifetime. 

 Photo submitted.

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