Dale Swanson

Dale Swanson was born in Tyler, Minnesota to Howard and Therese (Potesky) Swanson on October 15, 1957. Residing on a small farm near Verdi, Minnesota, Dale acquired his passion for farming and animal husbandry at an early age helping with the cattle, chicken, and hog chores.

After the death of Dale’s mother in 1962, the family would eventually move to the homestead south of Tyler which would become his lifelong home. In his youth, Dale would help milk and do chores before and after school learning the skills and the temperament to accomplish his goals. Never one to complain, he just rolled up his sleeves and did what needed to be done.

After graduating from Tyler High School in 1976, Dale earned his degree in Machine Tool Technology from Willmar Area Vocational Technical Institute in 1978. Dale moved to Hopkins, Minnesota for a brief time to work as a machinist at Spicer Heavy Axle. Dale utilized his machinist skills over the course of his life often doing custom work for others, repairing machinery and equipment on the farm, or creating unique pieces of art in his later years. If a part was needed and couldn’t be found, Dale loved the challenge of making one.

Dale married the love of his life, Brenda Holck of Ruthton, Minnesota, on October 30, 1981 at the courthouse in Madison, Minnesota. Brenda worked alongside Dale on the dairy and later with the heifer raising business and were able to purchase the farm in 1996.

In 1982, their daughter Tashauna was born. In her younger years, she was Dale’s little shadow; whether in the shop, the milking parlor, or riding alongside him on the tractor. Dale always patiently answered her many questions and taught her the names and uses of various tools. He was her real life MacGuyver and her biggest supporter!

Dale was a kind, humble man who was always willing to help other people and never expected anything in return. Dale enjoyed the opportunity to meet and visit with all the people who had dealings with Swanson Dairy over the years. He enjoyed learning about other cultures through the dairy industry hosting interns and employing individuals from other countries. In his last years, Dale would love to stop by the neighbors and have a visit. One of his favorite stops was the Hesse shop to see what Steve, Austin, and the crew were up to.

He was a member of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) for many years before transitioning from dairy farming to custom raising dairy heifers. Dale was also on the Hope Mutual Insurance board of directors for 19 years.

Dale fell asleep in death with Brenda by his side at Avera McKennan Hospital on October 25, 2025 just five days short of their 44th wedding anniversary.

Dale is lovingly remembered by the many family members, friends, and neighbors who were blessed to have known him. He is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda of Tyler, MN; his daughter, Tashauna Swanson of Marshall, MN; father, Howard Swanson of Marshall, MN; father-in-law, Rondo Holck of Ruthton, MN. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Swanson, and brother-in-law, Vince O’Connell of Craftsbury Common, VT; brother-in-law, Brian Holck, and wife, Kathy of Ruthton, MN; nephews, Travis (Toni) Holck of Jeffers, MN; Taylor Holck of Ruthton, MN; and Hunter (Mikenna) Holck of Granite Falls, MN. He was great-uncle to Lainie, Nolan, Hazel, Paisley, and Beau Holck. He is also survived by step-brothers Steve Lodahl of Janesville, Mn, Mike Swanson of Minnetonka, MN, and Kim Swanson of Rogers, MN; two aunts, Leona Mikkelsen and Marlene Yonker of Tyler, MN and many cousins.

Dale was preceded in death by his mother, Therese Swanson, and his mother-in-law, Marie Holck.

Dale leaves behind a lasting mark on the lives he touched. His legacy lives on in the things he built, the problems he solved, the people he helped, and his quiet kindness that spoke louder than words.