Elmo Swenson

Elmo Swenson ObituaryElmo Swenson passed away at the age of 94 on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Rock Rapids, Iowa.
Funeral service will be at 10:30am Friday, November 7, 2025 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD.
Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00pm Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Military Honors to be conducted by the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team and the American Legion - Codington County Post 17.
Elmo Emanuel Swenson
November 28, 1930 – October 30, 2025
Elmo Emanuel Swenson was born on November 28, 1930, to Eskil and Amy Swenson. He graduated from Strandburg High School, where he enjoyed playing basketball and proudly represented the town on its baseball team.
On December 30, 1951, Elmo was united in marriage to Marilyn Christensen. Just two months later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. From there, he was stationed in Mineral Wells, Texas, where he learned to run LeTourneau dozers, and later served for one year in France.
Upon his discharge, Elmo and Marilyn returned home to farm near Strandburg, South Dakota. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They milked cows, raised sheep and most importantly cattle and farmed the land for many years until his retirement. You could always find Elmo at the sale barns showing and selling his hard work and dedication. Elmo was especially known for his Charolais cattle and was honored as Commercial Charolais Breeder of the Year by the S.D. Charolais Association.
Elmo spent many hours over the years fishing and trapping mink and muskrat, pursuits that brought him both peace and enjoyment. He was a proud member of the American Legion in Strandburg, where he valued the camaraderie of fellow veterans and the shared commitment to service and community. Elmo loved farm life and was known as a hardworking man who always found time to support his children whom he loved dearly.
They welcomed many family and friends into their beautiful home and farm. Visitors often came to the farm for hunting, fishing, or simply to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa. They hosted dinners and card parties with friends. Family gatherings for holidays were especially cherished, filled with love, good food, and even better company. Their home was truly a place where everyone felt welcome-a place of love, laughter, and lasting memories for all who visited.
He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following basketball, baseball, and softball-both as a player in his younger years and as a spectator later in life. He was a proud father and an extremely proud grandpa. He was always there to support or cheer on his grandchildren in all sports, music, and other activities, witnessing several talents and championship wins.
Also in retirement, he stayed busy with the things he loved most-tending his garden, helping Marilyn with her flower beds, and keeping up their acreage. Elmo and Marilyn remained on the farm during the summers and spent their recent winters enjoying their condo in Rock Rapids, Iowa.
Above all, Elmo treasured his family. He found great joy in hosting gatherings, sharing stories, and spending time with his loved ones. His kind and generous heart, his faithfulness, and his quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew him.
Elmo is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; his children, Greg (Jill) Swenson of Aurora, SD; Galen (Melody) Swenson of Castlewood, SD; Candi (Bob) Thompson of Rapid City, SD; Lori (Paul) Nelson of Strandburg, SD; and Shauna (Shannen) Struckman of Rock Rapids, IA; grandchildren: Aaron (Brooke) Swenson; Jordan (Sanjana) Swenson; Lance (Haley) Swenson; Shane Thompson; Cherise (Ross) Hunter; Ashley (Kyle) Ballew; Derek (Melissa) Nelson; Brady (Cory) Nelson; Chase (Ashley) Walder; Chelsie (Taylor) Gibson; Mateya (Brennan) Gabriel; Shaylee (Pete) Menage; Summer (Levi) Wiersma; Shania (Carson) Popkes; Sawyer, Shyanne, Sienna, Saylor Struckman and 29 great-grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelly Walder and grandsons, Ryan Swenson and Brandon Swenson.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel ~ www.wightandcomes.com
Elmo Swenson passed away at the age of 94 on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Rock Rapids, Iowa.
Funeral service will be at 10:30am Friday, November 7, 2025 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD.
Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00pm Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the Wight & Comes Funeral C