Donald Eugene Swenson

Donald E. Swenson, 79, of Gladbrook, died Monday, December 31st, at the Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 4th, at the Stavanger Friends Church south of LeGrand with Pastor Jim Bonser officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Stavanger Friends Cemetery with military honors by the Gladbrook American Legion Ehrig-McTurk Post. Friends may call at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday with a 6:00 p.m. Masonic service by the Gladbrook Masonic Lodge. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Donald and his family. Ph 641-844-1234. Born on August 19th, 1928, in Marshalltown, he was the son of Gilbert and Jennie (Seim) Swenson. He received his education in the LeGrand Schools and later attended college courses. While in High School, he was employed by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Mr. Swenson served our country honorably in three branches of the United States armed forces from 1945 until his honorable discharge in 1982. While in the US Navy, he was stationed on the USS Missouri. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Ehrig-McTurk American Legion Post, the Stavanger Friends Church and enjoyed his family, model trains, watching big trains, fishing, his Norwegian heritage, his pride of his military history, and gardening- even having a garden at the IVH where he has resided the past 2 years. Left to mourn his loss are his loving wife Shirley (Medberry) whom he married on November 23rd, 1975, in California, three children: Donnie (Arlene) Swenson of Tama, Darlyne Swenson of Fresno, CA., and Dwayne Swenson of Lemoore, CA. grandchildren: Jeremy, Trey, Craig, Greg, Mandy and Mitchell, step-children: Drew Coleman of Gladbrook and Duff (Mary Rose) Coleman of Monticello, Iowa, step-grandchildren: Jonathan, Jeremy, Katie and Joel, his sisters: Shirley (Roger) Lewis of Garwin and Janice (Gary) Wood of Charleston, S.C., several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. In death he has rejoined his parents, his grandson Casey and step-son David.