Donald Swenson
Donald L. Swenson, age 83, of Ellsworth, Iowa, was born on June 28, 1942, in Ellsworth to Rufus and Valgred Swenson. Don lived in the Ellsworth area his entire life. He passed away in the home he was born in on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Don was united in marriage to Elizabeth (Betty) Ricke in Estherville on November 25, 1967. Together they shared 58 years of love and devotion. Don deeply enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved fishing and farming with them and creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.
After graduating from the Ellsworth Consolidated High School, Don proudly served in the U.S. Army before continuing his lifelong love of farming. In addition to farming, Don spent 20 years driving a South Hamilton school bus on a daily route as well as sports and activity buses. This was a role he valued for the connections he made with the students and the community.
Don is survived by his wife, Betty; his sons, Tom (Joely) Swenson and Troy Swenson; his cherished grandchildren Dugan (Claire Estes), Gavin and Keagan Swenson; sisters Barb (Wayne) Patterson and Virginia (Ron) Stensland; and his nieces and nephew, Nancy (Joe) Meyers, Mary Kay (Bill) Noe, Jim Bendixen, Gail (Scott) George and Kristal (Brian) Johnson, as well as great-nieces Brooklyn and Chandler George and Ella Johnson; and great-nephews Jeremy Noe, Jason Noe and Matthew Meyers.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Valgred Swenson; his brother, Robert Swenson; and sister- and brother-in-law, Joe and Donna Bendixen.
Don will be remembered for his dedication to family, his strong work ethic and his sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.