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Donald Swenson • 1925 - 2006 Donald Swenson, 80, Bowbells, died Wednesday, January 18, 2006 in a Tioga long-term care facility. Donald was born on March 11, 1925, in Northstar Township, Burke County near Bowbells, ND. He was the fourth son of Carl and Ella (Samuelson) Swenson. He was reared in that area and attended a country school in Northstar Township. He was confirmed on July 21, 1940 at Elmdale Lutheran Church in Niobe, ND. In 1950 he was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during World War II. He served for two years and was honorably discharged. He returned to North Dakota and on October 27, 1953 he married Marion Peterson in Flaxton, ND. Donald worked numerous jobs. He had a passion for mechanics, and loved the farm. He worked for area farmers, North Star Drilling, Empire Construction, Garrison Ready Mix and retired from Harris Equipment of Kenmare in 1987. After retirement he helped his nephew on the farm. Donald enjoyed the love of the outdoors, working in his yard and in his garden. He loved to tinker, and kept things polished and shined. He also loved the sound of a fiddle and a steel guitar, and loved to dance to the beat of the music. Donald entered the Long Term Care in Tioga on January 28, 2003. He responded to music until the time of his death. His battle with Alzheimer's is over, no more confusion, and no more pain. God called him home. Donald's greatest accomplishments were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and the American Legion, Carl Oftedahl Post#127, both in Bowbells, ND. Survivors: Wife, Marion Swenson, Bowbells, ND; daughters, Donna (Gary) Berland, Minot, Deb (Tom) Dignan, Tioga, and Michelle (John) McDonald, Hershey, PA; grandchildren, Tera (Matt) Buckley, Robin (Travis) Ranum, Riley Dignan, Olivia McDonald and Ian McDonald; great-grandchildren, Keegan Buckley, Kaidyn and Gavin Ranum; brothers, Manfred (Irene) Swenson and Elden Swenson, all of Bowbells; sisters, Gladys Pfeifer of Minnesota and Arlene (Art) Eklund, Bowbells; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive. Donald was preceded in death by his son, Terry Swenson; his parents, Carl and Ella (Samuelson) Swenson; brothers, Bertil and Henry Swenson. Funeral Service: Saturday, January 21, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Bowbells, ND. Visitation: There will be no reviewal, but friends may sign the register Saturday one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial: Bowbells Cemetery, Bowbells, ND. Officiant: Pastor Mary Strom Music: Congregational Hymn Honorary Bearers: Donald's family and friendsand the
staff, residents and volunteer musicians Active Bearers: Gary Berland, Tom Dignan, John McDonald, Matthew Buckley,Travis Ranum Riley Dignan Final Resting Place: Bowbells Cemetery, Bowbells, ND Flag Presentation: Members of the American Legion,
Carl Oftedahl Post #127, Bowbells, ND |