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Donald Lee Roy Swenson, age 78, of Lindstrom, died at his home on Nov 28, 2009 after a courageous battle with acute leukemia. He was surrounded by his family and dear companion Mary.

Don was born to Elmer and Olive (Berggren) Swenson on October 3, 1931. Don lived in Lindstrom his entire life. From 1950-1958 he worked at the Twin Cities Arsenal (ammunition plant) in New Brighton. In 1958 he went to work for Alexander Construction, which became Shafer Construction. He continued to work for them operating heavy equipment for the next 35 years, until he retired in 1993. In his later years Don maintained the hanging flower baskets and gardens for the city of Lindstrom as well as starting a window washing business.

Don loved life. He was always on the go. He was an avid walker; some of his favorite things were gardening and taking care of his yard. He also enjoyed going to dances with his companion Mary, sister Joyce and other friends. He loved the North Shore of Lake Superior, especially his numerous visits to Grand Marais, which he had done since the late 1950's. Don loved his family and never hesitated to tell them so. He enjoyed nothing more than having all five kids together for a barbeque on his back deck or a hot game of bocce ball in the front yard.

Don was a 50 year member of the First United Methodist Church of Lindstrom. He had a strong, unshakeable faith in God which helped him through his battle with leukemia. He knew where he was going and talked about it often.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Olive, as well as his dear sister Joyce Sederstrom and brother-in-law Merle Sederstrom, his ex-wife Betty (Berg) Swenson and companion of many years Ruby Maxhimer.

Donald is survived by his five children: Kathy (David) Hughes of North Branch; Geoffrey Swenson of San Francisco, CA; Daniel Swenson of San Francisco; Mary (Gene) Tourville of Centuria, WI; and Cory Swenson of Kost. Also four grandchildren: Derek Hanson of North Branch; Dustin (Heidi) Hanson of River Falls, WI; Jessica Nelson of Centuria, WI and Sarah Nelson of St. Anthony; four great grandchildren: Deven Hanson, Kaya and Jacob Hanson and Collin Bahr; five siblings; sister: Peggy (Chuck) Bergquist of Lindstrom, brothers Bob Swenson of Chisago City; Richard (Sherrill) Swenson of Lindstrom; John (Marsha) Swenson of Lindstrom and Jim Swenson of Center City and his dear companion and love of many years Mary Lisenfeld of Lindstrom.

Visitation Friday, Dec. 4 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services at First United Methodist Church in Lindstrom at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, with visitation 1 hour before the service. Interment will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Lindstrom immediately following the church service.

A luncheon to celebrate Donald's life will be held at The Dinnerbel, in Lindstrom, starting at 4 p.m. Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com

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