The passing of Donald Wayne Swenson on Friday, July 17, has left a void in the hearts of his many cousins and friends. Donnie, as he was known to most people, enjoyed his time with family and friends. Whether getting together to eat and play cards with his extended family of cousins, or playing pool with friends, those were the times that he looked forward to and treasured. During the past couple of years, the building of his home added a new and exciting chapter to his life. From picking the perfect location on his farm, to the planning, building and furnishing of the home, Donnie enjoyed the experience and was rightfully proud of the results. While the time was too short, the happiness and satisfaction that he got from living in his new home was well deserved.

Donnie was born on August 3, 1953, and lived all of his life on the family farm northwest of Sherman. He graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1972. Donnie worked for several years for the John Morrell Company before making farming his life’s work.

Donnie lost his mom, Lois, in 1972, his brother, Steve, in 1985, and his dad, Orval (Steem), in 1988. His Swenson and Larson cousins, and his many friends, will forever miss his good nature and big heart.

Funeral services will begin at 1:30 pm Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Burial will be in the Norway Cemetery, rural Garretson. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm Tuesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. In lieu of flowers, Donnie can be honored with memorials to Feeding South Dakota, 3511 N. 1st Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.