Johnnie Dale Swensen

John Dale Swensen, the son of LaVern Henry and Jeanette Lois Jensen Swensen, was born December 10, 1953, in Audubon, Iowa and died July 29, 2008, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 54 years, 7 months, and 19 days.
John was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Audubon. He attended Audubon Community Schools, then moved with the family to Atlantic, IA where he graduated from the Atlantic High School with the Class of 1972. John enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1972. During his tour of duty he served in Germany. He was honorably discharged in August of 1975 and returned to Audubon. John was employed as a combine mechanic for Garst in Coon Rapids and also helped local farmers.
On March 19, 1977, he was united in marriage to Deborah Ross in Glenwood, IA by her Uncle Rev. Harvey Quandt. They lived on Deborahs parents farm where John started his mechanic business, Swensens Garage and Wrecker Service. He operated the business until he closed it in 1989. John was employed as a manager at area hog confinements near Willey, IA and Irwin, IA. He then worked for Henningsen Construction in Atlantic, IA paving roads for several years. He later was employed by Hopp Construction in Harlan, IA where he managed the parts department and worked on heavy equipment until he was forced to retire in 1998 due to his health complications.
John enjoyed taking care of his acreage and animals especially his constant companion Scrappy his rat terrier. John loved his family and friends. He enjoyed farming and driving his tractors. John was a hard worker and worked very hard every day taking care of his home and acreage.
John had been a member of the Ross Calvary Methodist Church in Ross, IA. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 120 in Audubon and an avid Republican. He was a member of the NRA and also enjoyed collecting guns.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: George and Virginia Ross; his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Jimmy Ross, George Randall Ross, and Rebecca Rita Ross; his nephews Clayton Evans; his cousin Don Jensen and his aunt Luella Wanniger.
Survivors include his wife Deborah Swensen of Audubon, IA; his sons: Nathan and Emily Swensen of Carroll, IA; Jesse Swensen and friend Terra Bauman of Guthrie Center, IA; his sisters: Teresa and Bill Murray of Audubon and Carla Evans of Lincoln, NE; his nieces and nephews: Telia and Brad Knueven of Audubon; Ryan and April Murray of San Diego, CA; Jake Murray of Audubon; and Kristopher Evans of Lincoln , NE; his aunts and uncles: Mary Ellen Quandt of Audubon; Lloyd and Judy Swensen of Aurora, CO; Bob and Betty Juhl of Harlan, IA; Verle Jensen and Mel Knudson, both of Audubon; other relatives and friends.

Visitation:
There will be no viewing at the funeral home. John will be moved to the Ross Calvary United Methodist Church Friday afternoon at 3:00 and the family will meet friends Friday afternoon at 5:00 until the time of the service at the church.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Merlene Ostebee on Friday, August 1, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. at Ross Calvary United Methodist Church in Ross, IA.