Christian Biography of Dale Laverne Swanstrom

Dale Laverne Swanstrom, of Moses Lake, Washington, the son of Herman and Elena Swanstrom, was born on October 18, 1929, in their farm house near Oak, Nebraska. Dale was the oldest of 5 children. He passed from this life into eternal life on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls, Idaho at the age of 83 years.

He was a 1947 graduate of Shickley High School. After graduation, he farmed with his father until he was drafted into the army during the Korean Conflict where he commanded a battery of Howitzers, honorably serving his country until his discharge in 1953. He was there when the truce was signed and often commented how quiet it became and he could hear the normal night sounds of crickets, frogs, etc.

While in Korea he attended church services whenever he could and upon returning home and meeting Doris, he was baptized, confirmed and married at Salem Lutheran Church, Superior, NE. Where ever he lived, his church was a very important part of his life. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Moses Lake, WA.

Dale married Doris Mueller on July 22, 1956 in Nelson Nebraska. The couple made their home in Nelson, NE, for a short while and then Dale took employment with the Bureau of Reclamation, building reservoirs and irrigation canals in Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska, where they made their home in Douglas, WY, Superior and Long Pine, NE. In 1965, Dale accepted employment as an instructor with the Job Corp Center at McCook, Nebraska. When that center closed in 1968, Dale and his family moved to Moses Lake, Washington, where he worked at the Columbia Basin Job Corp Center, teaching young men and women skills and trades to successfully enter the work force before finally retiring from government service in 1999.

Dale enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and camping across the Pacific Northwest and spending time with his family in Washington and Texas. He was a smart, kind, patient, generous, loving man and will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Preceding him in death were his parents, one brother, Delbert, and one brother-in-law, Gordon Farver.

Dale is survived by his wife Doris of 56 years, children: Sandi Swanstrom-Ponce (Manuel) of Sunnyside WA, Steve Swanstrom (Rebecca) of McKinney, TX and Scott Swanstrom (Traci) of Austin TX. He had 4 grandchildren that he loved very much and was so proud of: James Ponce, Stephanie Swanstrom, Brendan Swanstrom and Trevor Swanstrom. He is also survived by two sisters: Marilyn (Lavon) Schoof, Edgar, NE, Darlene Farver, Nelson, NE, and one brother Donald (Norma) Swanstrom of Henryetta, OK, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 10:00 AM from the Salem Lutheran Church, rural Superior, Nebraska with Rev. Don Olsen officiating.

Sonia Schnidt was the organist.

Visitation was held on Friday, April 5, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Klawitter-Price Funeral Home in Nelson, Nebraska.

Pallbearers were Steve Swanstrom, Scott Swanstrom, Manuel Ponce, Rodney Swanstrom, Nathan Mueller, Richard Mueller and Glenn Mueller. Honorary Pallbearers were James Ponce, Stephanie Swanstrom, Brendan Swanstrom and Trevor Swanstrom.

Interment with Military Honors was in the Salem Lutheran Cemetery, rural Superior, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to Salem Lutheran Church or a Charity of your choice.


Klawitter-Price Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.