John W. Swenson

John W. Swenson, 73, of Sioux Falls and former Fire Chief of Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department passed away Friday, July 29, 2011 at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 PM Monday at the church. Burial with military honors will be at the Benton Lutheran Cemetery, rural Crooks. Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic is in charge of arrangements.

John was born December 20, 1937 to parents Raymond and Hertha (Wagner) Swenson near Hartford. He grew up near Crooks and moved into Crooks with his parents as a small child. After his graduation from Lyons High School, he entered the United States Navy and served until 1958.

John married Arlene Engen June 3, 1961. He retired from Minnehaha County in 2000, he then worked part time for North American Wholesale Flowers.

John was a member and an EMT for the Wayne Township Fire Department for 36 years and served as their Fire Chief for 18 years. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Elks and the Minnehaha County Fire Chiefs Association.

John enjoyed fishing with his buddies, playing cards, yard work and coffee with friends. He loved watching baseball, especially the Minnesota Twins.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Arlene, Sioux Falls; his children, Lynette (Tim) DeJong, Greg (Susan Becker) Swenson, and Angie (Jon) Burri, all of Sioux Falls; seven grandchildren, Allie, Zach, Samantha, Nicholas, Danielle, Sam and Caden. He was preceded in death by his parents.