Henry Dale Zwaan

HENRY DALE ZWAAN, age 84, of Luverne, was called home by the Lord on Thursday, January 1, 2026. He was born on September 13, 1941, by Doon, IA, and was the son of Nick and Bertha Zwaan. Henry grew up on a farm east of Doon, where he spent his life nurturing the land, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication that is the hallmark of a true farmer.

Henry married the love of his life, Carol Ann Zwaan (Klosterbuer), on March 16th, 1962. After their marriage, they lived on a farm south of Steen, MN, where they were blessed with three children: Melanie in 1964, Monte in 1965, and Mandel in 1969. In 1974, they moved to their farm northeast of Steen, where they designed and built their home and farm. Here, they welcomed their fourth child, Michelle, in 1976.

Henry devoted his life to agriculture, understanding the deep connection between the land and those who cultivate it. He was loved and respected by his friends, family and neighbors who often sought his advice regarding farming techniques, crop management, or anything else they may need help with. Along with his commitment to farming, moreover, his mission was to pass on his legacy to his family. Always working closely with his sons, he instilled the same love of farming. When he eventually retired, Carol lovingly convinced him to go south for the winter. There he found a new love for community and nature. Together Carol and Henry spent time having coffee, going out for supper and going for endless 4-wheeler rides with new and old friends, simply enjoying retirement and the beautiful Arizona sun.

Henry was kind, honest, patient, and incredibly hard-working. Along with his love of farming, he had a love for horses and trail riding, that he shared with his daughter's. Horses brought him great joy and allowed him to connect with nature in yet another special way. While he was not always a man of many words, he carried himself with stoic wisdom and was always ready to help someone in need. Above all, he loved his family and The Lord, instilling the values of faith and love in his children and all those who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Melanie (Doug) Mensing, Menomonie, WI; Monte (Staci) Zwaan, Luverne; Mandel (Laura) Zwaan, Steen; and Michelle (Travis) Jensen, Dell Rapids, SD; grandchildren, Megan (Blake) Aanderson, Merecie Mensing, Mitchell (Jordyn) Mensing, Mackenzi (TJ) Loger, Chazni Zwaan, Emary Zwaan, Zoey Zwaan, Syndal (Mitchell) Pick, Jaxon Pick, and Lilyan Mark; and eight great-grandchildren, along with his sister, Myra (Myron) Vugteveen.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents Nick and Bertha, his wife Carol, and his grandson Zachary.

A time of fellowship will be from noon to 1:30 pm Monday, January 19 at the American Reformed Church in Luverne. A celebration of his life will be on Monday at 1:30 pm at the American Reformed Church, in Luverne, officiated by Pastor Mike Altena. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.

Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifescape in Sioux Falls, SD, to continue Henry's mission of caring for the community he so dearly loved.