Donald L. Swanson

Donald L. Swanson, 90, of Moorhead, died Monday, June 22, 2015 at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo.

Don was born February 21, 1925 in Moorhead to Peter and Alvina Paasch Swanson. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the Army on June 29, 1943. He fought in the Philippines and then participated in the occupation of Japan after World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1946. On June 29, 1952 he was united in marriage to Delores Gabrielson and they had two children, Randy and Lori. Don worked in sporting goods sales for Emery Johnson and later worked for the Dana Morrison Company out of Chicago. He then left sales to open Don’s Grocery on 7th Avenue South in Moorhead. Later, he opened Don’s 8th Street Market in Fargo. Both Don’s stores had a loyal following of customers and he was well-loved in the neighborhood. He was also the equipment manager for the Concordia football team for a couple of years, and then worked a custodial job in the MSUM dorms for 12 years before retiring at the age of 65.

Don had a love for sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, and he was a fixture at all Moorhead Spuds sporting events. He also enjoyed golf, playing pinochle, bowling, and dancing. After retirement, he never missed a day of coffee-time with his friends at Wright Awning. He was a member of the Eagles, Elks, VFW and American Legion. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Delores; his son Randy Swanson, Moorhead; his daughter, Lori Ed Pachel, Audubon, MN; his grandchildren, Brandon, Carissa, Eric, Amber, Ashli, Jordan and Kamryn, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Evelyn, Esther and Harriet, and brothers, Bill and Norm.