
Dona Schwarting
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Dona Maxine Schwarting, 93, died January 17, 2023 in Huron, SD. She was born February 24th, 1929 in her aunt Mary Scott's home near Hecla to Harvey and Julia (Brady) Bogardus. She attended Johnson School, Bell School, Guelph School and graduated from Hecla High School in May 1947. Her family also lived by Houghton for awhile.
Dona married LaVerne Schwarting September 19, 1947. They made their home and farmed the Schwarting family farm until retiring in 1990 and moving to Hecla in 1992. In their farming career they milked cows for 30 years, retiring from that on their 30th wedding anniversary. They raised cattle, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, miniature donkeys and even a buffalo.
Dona was a very devoted wife and loving mother who made most of their children's clothing while they were young. Dona enjoyed crafting, playing cards, games, gardening, baking, canning and she was a talented cook.
Dona was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Hecla; and she helped with hundreds of quilts for World Relief.
She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (William) Watson, Huron, SD; two sons Delbert (Susan) Schwarting, Hecla, SD; and Derald Schwarting, Aberdeen, SD, three grandsons, Eric (Adrianne) Watson, Michael (Sonja) Watson, and Ryan (Elizabeth) Watson; great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Kaleb, Madisen, Evan, McKenzie, Trinity, Johnathon, and Laureen and nieces and nephews.
Dona was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Gerald Bogardus, Adeline Schwarting, Joyce Wright and Kenneth Bogardus; her husband of 64 years LaVerne Schwarting, and all of her brothers and sisters-in-law.
The funeral service will be Friday, January 27, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, Hecla, SD with visitation one hour prior. Dona's service will be live streamed on the Dahlstrom Funeral Home website www.dahlstromfuneralhome.com on her obituary page. Burial will be at Hecla City Cemetery in the spring.
