Donald Roland Swenson

Donald R. “Butch” Swenson, Jr. was born October 23, 1946 in Fairmont, Minnesota to Donald and Charlotte (Gaskill) Swenson. The family moved to Valley, Nebraska where Butch grew up and attended school, graduating from Valley High School in 1965. Butch enlisted in the United States Army in April 1966, and served in Viet Nam, working in the motor pool. He was honorably discharged in April 1968. Butch was the proud father of three children: Kristina, Doug, and Sue. He raised his family in Valley, and remained there with his 2nd wife, Marilee (Mulholland) Swenson. They were married April 29, 1978 in Kansas City, Missouri. Marilee preceded Butch in death in April 2008. Butch held many jobs throughout his life. He worked for: International in Fremont, NE, as a truck driver for Bell Creek, Prairie Ford Truck Sales, with Marilee at P.J.’s Inn, and as the owner and mechanic at Don’s Auto. He loved working on anything with his hands, and was constantly building and rebuilding motors, or tearing something apart to rebuild it. Butch enjoyed mysteries, and caring for his two Doberman’s: Jake and Sami. He had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor, and was both mentally and physically strong. He adored his grandkids, and looked forward to the holidays. Butch was especially proud of the birth of his kids and grandkids, and cherished time with his family. He loved old country music and cheering for the Huskers and Rutgers, and could often be heard saying, “all you got in life is time and talent” or “when it’s no longer fun, it’s time to stop.” His family will remember Butch as a man who was rough on the outside, but was a big “softie” on the inside. He led the whole family when his dad left, and helped anyone who asked. Don passed away at his home in Valley, Nebraska on Monday, October 1, 2012 at the age of 65 years, 11 months, and 8 days. He was preceded in death by parents, wife Marilee, brother Rick, brother-in-law Sherman Chard, and grandson Nicholas Carder. Butch is survived by son Doug (Lori) Swenson of Valley, NE daughters: Kristina (Eric) Hermanson of Valley, NE, Sue (Royce) Benefiel of Oklahoma City, OK, stepchildren: Joni (Sid) Gonsoulin of Hattiesburg, MS, Cari (Steve) Ferree of Valley, NE, Tony Witte of Hattiesburg, MS, 18 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, siblings: Diane Chard of Fremont, NE, Sue Swenson of Texas, Robert Swenson, Roger Swenson, and Lori Holmquest, all of Fremont, and special friend Jennifer Nicola. Donald R. “Butch” Swenson, Jr., age 65, of Valley, NE, died 10/1/12. Preceded in death by parents, wife Marilee, brother Rick, brother-in-law Sherman Chard, and grandson Nicholas Carder. Survived by son Doug (Lori) Swenson, Valley, daughters: Kristina (Eric) Hermanson, Valley, Sue (Royce) Benefiel, Oklahoma City, OK, stepchildren: Joni (Sid) Gonsoulin, Hattiesburg, MS, Cari (Steve) Ferree, Valley, Tony Witte, Hattiesburg, MS, 18 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, siblings: Diane Chard, Fremont, Sue Swenson Texas, Robert Swenson, Roger Swenson, and Lori Holmquest, all of Fremont, and special friend Jennifer Nicola. Funeral service 11 AM Friday, 10/5/12 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation Thursday from Noon to 8 PM with the family receiving friends from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Memorials to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

Donald Roland Swenson

October 23, 1946 - October 1, 2012