Dale Swanson, age 88, of Ayrshire, Iowa died Friday, November  11, 2016 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 14, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church in Gillet Grove, Iowa. Burial will be in the Logan Township Cemetery in rural Gillet Grove. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. 

Dale Wendell Swanson was born March 19, 1928 north of Silver Lake near Ayrshire, the son of John Arndt and Madella Dorothy (Matthiesen) Swanson.

Dale attended school in Ayrshire graduating high school in 1945. After graduation, he farmed and drove school bus.

Dale joined the United States Navy on December 28, 1950 where he served as a mechanic while stationed in Guam. Dale was honorably discharged on September 28, 1954, and soon after returned to the farm. 

On June 12, 1955, Dale was united in marriage to Helen Main at the Christian Church in Troy Mills, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with five children: Wendy, Carolyn, Mary Jo, Barb, and Paul.

Dale was a member of the United Methodist Church in Ayrshire until its closing, and then became a member of the Community United Methodist Church of Gillett Grove. He was a member of the Ayrshire American Legion Post #173. Dale will be remembered by his contributions to the church, school, and other community organizations.

Dale was known for his sense of humor and enjoyment of talking to family, friends, neighbors and even someone he just met. He was kind, caring and found ways to help those around him in many ways. Since he was a young boy, Dale’s passion was farming. He dedicated his entire life to farming, and, more importantly, his family. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Helen Swanson of Ayrshire, Iowa; children: Carolyn (John) Sheridan of Greenville, Iowa; Mary Jo (Brett) Smith of Dickens, Iowa; Barb (Robert) Williams of Roland, Iowa; 
Paul (Janna) Swanson of Ayrshire, Iowa; grandchildren: Melissa (Bryan) Kestle, Nicci (Matt) Padilla, Erik (Tara) Sheridan, Euvonne (Cole) Hickey, Madella (Christopher) Deffer, Andrew Smith, Spencer and Gabe Williams, Jorja and Esme Swanson; brothers: Rodney (Myrt) Swanson of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Gene Swanson of Ruthven; extended family and friends.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Wendy Mazer; and infant siblings, Kenneth and Marilyn.

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