Dale A. Swenson

DALE ARDEN SWENSON was born December 21, 1936 to Chester and Ragna (Haroldson) Swenson in Rosedale Township, Minnesota. He was baptized and later confirmed, both at Rosedale Lutheran Church east of Jasper, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm and attended public school through the 8th grade in Hardwick, Minnesota. In 1956, Dale was united in marriage to Marilyn Gibson at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne, Minnesota. Dale worked as a farm hand for two years before becoming employed in maintenance at the Blue Mound Inn north of Luverne for the 26 years. He then became the resident manager at the Centennial Apartments for 20 years. Following this job, he worked in maintenance at the Luverne Medical Center before retiring in 2001. He remained active with his woodcarving passion and through the years, Dale and Marilyn also worked as campground hosts for Split Rock State Park near Ihlen, Minnesota and the Lake Shetek State Park near Currie, Minnesota.

Dale went to be with his Lord on Friday, March 29, 2019, while surrounded by his family at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 82 years, three months and eight days.

Dale was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne where he served as an usher. He was a member of Blue Mound Wood Carvers and often was a vendor with his projects at Arts in the Park in Luverne. Along with wood carving and camping, he enjoyed putting together puzzles, riding his scooter, and especially enjoyed spending time with family. Dale will be remembered for how he was always willing to help others and how he could fix almost anything.

Dale is survived by his wife, Marilyn; six children, Richard (Julie) Swenson of Buffalo, Minnesota, Gary (Kathy) Swenson of Austin, Minnesota, Laura (David) Williams of Defiance, Missouri, Jody (Joe) Foerster of Cambridge, Minnesota, Bruce (Dee) Swenson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Robyn (John) Weisbrich of Humbolt, Iowa; 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Verna Schmuck of Luverne; and three sisters-in-law, Shirley Swenson, Jean Swenson, and Jan Gibson. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Russell, Kenneth, and Lester.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage or Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne.