Donald Swanson
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Donald Lee Swanson, 89 of Brookings and a former Arlington area resident died Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at The Neighborhood at Brookview in Brookings, SD
Donald Lee Swanson was born December 1, 1930 on a farm north of Arlington, SD to John and Lena (Zorn) Swanson. He was the youngest of five children. Don was baptized in the German Lutheran Church in Arlington. In 1951 he joined the Arlington Methodist Church were he was a member until his death.
Don attended country school and graduated from Arlington High School in 1948. After graduation he farmed with his dad until February 26, 1952 when he was drafted into the Army.
On February 25, 1951 he married Doris Best. They moved to the farm and after his two year tour of duty with the Army they moved back to the family farm where they lived until moving to Brookings, SD in 2016. They were blessed with two children, Jahne and Lon.
Don was on the Dist 39 school board, President of Kingham Hog Corp. One year member of the Arlington school board, secretary of Badger Elevator board for 12 years, member of Arlington American Legion Post 42 and a Sioux Valley Electric minute man.
Don loved his family and enjoyed farming and raising livestock. They also enjoyed dancing, playing pool, fishing, swimming and playing cars. The winters were spent in Texas and in his summers he liked to garden.
On May 8, 2018 he entered the Neighborhoods in Brookings.
Don is survived by his wife, Doris, children, Jahne (Jon) Josephsen and Lon Swanson of Arlington, four grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother.
Funeral services for Donald Swanson will be at 10:30 am on Friday October 9, 2020 at the Johnson-Henry Funeral Home in Arlington with Pastor Jolene Pietrzak officiating, burial will be in the Arlington City Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the Johnson-Henry Funeral Home and preceding services on Friday. Masks are required.