Swenson, Dean William

ean William Swenson, 78, died of cancer Friday, Feb. 10, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving family.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Van Horne, with Father Brian Dellaert as celebrant. Committal services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery near Keystone. Friends may call at Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, followed by a Scripture service.

Dean was born Oct. 29, 1933, in Swaledale, Iowa, to Sherman E. and Beatrice (Cahalan) Swenson. On Nov. 29, 1952, he was united in marriage to Norma Jean Austin in Mason City. The couple have made their home in Van Horne the past 10 years. Dean was a meat inspector with the United States Department of

Agriculture.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean of Van Horne; his daughters and sons-in-law, Sheryl Marie (Brian) Lowe, Deanna Jean (Bruce) Montgomery, Mary Sue (Al) Rausch and Penny Ann (Jeff) Wolff; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers and four sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

Dean gave complete devotion to his wife, daughters and their families. He enjoyed taking Norma Jean wherever she wanted to go, including winter vacations to Texas, shopping and gambling.

He always said his kids were his best friends and his grandchildren were so special to him. He had wonderful memories and numerous stories to tell about them.

Dean often said, “I may not have been great at anything, but I was good at everything.” This was evident as he helped his friends accomplish many projects over the years.

In his leisure he enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching Hawkeye sports, and golfing.

A memorial fund has been established.

Condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com

Published Feb. 11, 2012 in The Gazette