Est. 1865 · Orion, Illinois
Born on the prairie, built on trust
In the early 1860s, settlers from Sweden felt the need for easy-to-understand protection from losses caused by fire and lightning. The lightning bolt in our logo reminds us of our beginnings.
Through cooperation, trust, and friendship, they formed an organization where each member would pay their fair share of the total amount of dollars lost in a year, based on the number of members. It worked. The company was formed in 1865 by an act passed by the Illinois House of Representatives.
Originally formed for Swedish-speaking people, the Company opened its doors to all good risks — regardless of “race, color, nationality or previous condition of servitude” — in 1920. Orion, Illinois became Svea Mutual’s home in 1927, and the present Svea office building was built in 1973, with two expansions since.
A heritage of service for over 150 years is what Svea Mutual is all about. With competitive rates and exemplary service, we continue to grow to serve you even better. Find an agent and see for yourself.
Milestones
- 1865 — Formed by an act of the Illinois House of Representatives to protect Swedish settlers from fire and lightning losses.
- 1920 — Opened membership to all good risks.
- 1927 — Orion, Illinois becomes Svea Mutual’s home.
- 1973 — The present Svea office building is built, with two expansions since.
- Today — One of the largest farm mutual companies in Illinois, serving members through 36 independent agencies.
Board of Directors
John Cratty
President
Lives in Galesburg, IL. Retired Galesburg Fire Chief. On the board since 2001.
Kent Kindelsperger
Vice-President, Director
Lives in Milan, IL. Owner of Country Style Ice Cream, Moline and Coal Valley. On the board since 2002.
Dick Stinson
Director
Lives in Cambridge, IL. Owner, Stinson Insurance Agency, Cambridge. On the board since 1986.
Mike Hepner
Director
Lives in Orion, IL. Owner, Hepner Insurance Agency, Orion. On the board since 2017.
Deena Johnson
Director
Lives in Orion. Retired Assistant Treasurer at Svea Mutual. On the board since 2024.
Matthew Bollinger
Director
Lives in Coal Valley. President of Bank Orion. On the board since 2024.
James Weakley
Director
Lives in Sherrard. Director of Enterprise Investigations for John Deere and Company. On the board since 2025.
Member notices
Notice of Annual Meeting
To all members of the Svea Mutual Insurance Company of Orion, Illinois: notice is hereby given that the 160th Annual Meeting of Svea Mutual Insurance Company will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Orion, Illinois. The purpose will be to discuss and transact such business as may be properly brought before the meeting. All policyholders and agents of Svea Mutual are invited to attend.
John Cratty, President · Lyle R. Bruning, PFMM, Secretary-Treasurer
Policyholder Notice — Reinsurance
In accordance with recent changes to Section 10(a)(2) of the Farm Mutual Act (“the Act”) by the Illinois General Assembly through SB 765, Svea Mutual Insurance Company will be reducing its catastrophic reinsurance coverages from unlimited catastrophic coverage to “adequate” catastrophic coverage. “Adequate” catastrophic reinsurance coverage increases the risk retained by Svea Mutual and therefore increases the possibility that members will be assessed.