NEW ULM–Dennis F. Swenson age 90, formerly of New Ulm, MN passed away Saturday, December 23rd at The Pillars in Oakdale, MN. A service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday May 4th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Bernadotte Lutheran Church in rural Lafayette, MN. Gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Bernadotte Cemetery.

Dennis Floyd Delano Swenson was born on March 14th, 1933 in Cornish Township to Hugo and Anna (Lund) Swenson. Dennis was baptized shortly after birth and grew up a member of Bernadotte Lutheran Church. Dennis’ family moved farms when he was a teen and he was confirmed at Clear Lake Lutheran Church near Gibbon.

Dennis graduated from Winthrop High School in 1951. He worked farming after graduation with his brother Sheldon. In June of 1953 he entered the Army where he served until 1955. Upon his return he worked for Minneapolis Moline in the machine shop. In the fall of 1956 Dennis began his freshman year at South Dakota State University.

On June 7th, 1958 Dennis married Jeanne (Monson) at Bernadotte Lutheran Church. They resided in Brookings where Jeanne taught 2nd grade and Dennis finished college. He graduated with an Agriculture Degree in Dairy Science.

In 1960 Dennis accepted a job in Minneapolis MN as a milk powder and butter plant inspector. In 1963 he accepted a position at Cass-Clay in Fargo, where he was the North Dakota Resident Inspector for butter, ice cream, milk powder and cottage cheese. In October of 1965 Dennis and family moved to Litchfield, MN where Dennis started the Resident Program for Graders at First District. Twenty-eight train carloads of milk powder would come into Litchfield a week, it was graded and shipped with a certificate within three days of arrival. In August of 1971, Dennis and family moved to New Hope, MN. Dennis accepted the position of U.S.D.A. Grading Supervisor. He worked Downtown Minneapolis at the federal building and did a lot of traveling. In 1978 Dennis and Family moved to Hoffman Estates, Ill. Dennis had accepted the position of U.S.D.A. Assistant Regional Director and worked downtown Chicago. He was in charge of overseeing twelve states. Dennis retired from the U.S.D.A. in July 1988.

Dennis and Jeanne moved to New Ulm in July, 1988 and on August 1st Dennis began working at A.M.P.I. as a Quality Assurance Supervisor. He worked for A.M.P.I. for 10 years.

After 52 years of marriage Dennis’ wife Jeanne passed away unexpectedly. Dennis found comfort in gardening, walking, spending time with friends in New Ulm, and visiting his children. He loved attending his grandchildren’s events. Dennis later moved to Inver Grove Heights MN to be closer to his children.

Dennis is survived by his daughter Denise and husband Doug Downhour of Inver Grove Heights, MN. Son Timothy and wife Rhonda Swenson of Rockwood, TN and daughter Andrea and husband Eric Feltes of Friendship, Wisconsin. Grandchildren Denna and (Andrew) Buss, Drew and (Sarah) Downhour, Matthew and (Giovana) Feltes, Megan and (Dylan) Baker, Katelyn Swenson and Kayla Swenson. Brothers-James and (Shirley) Swenson, Leland and (Linda) Swenson. Sister-in-law Joanne and (Wallace) Bakken, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Hugo and Anna Swenson; Wife Jeanne Swenson; sisters Gloria Swenson, Carol Swenson, Genieve and (Lennart) Nelson; Laverne and (Clyde) Stroman; Audrey Swenson. Brother Sheldon and (Orvie) Swenson; Father and Mother-in-law Wallace and Norma Monson;Brother-in-law Mark W. Monson;Niece Jane Lebens.

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