Wade Swezey

Wade Swezey, age 74, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at his home.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Pastor Sandra Marquardt and Pastor David Homrighausen will officiate the service.

Wade Edgar Swezey was born on February 20, 1951, to Edgar and Elizabeth “Beth” (Sanders) Swezey and two sisters who were eagerly awaiting his arrival. He attended school in Ortonville and enjoyed playing on the football field.

During the summer months, Wade enjoyed pushing his lawn mower and mowing for most of his neighbors. He carried his shovel around the neighborhood and kept the neighbors’ sidewalks clean during the winters.

On September 26, 1970, Wade was united in marriage with Bonita Bengtson. Three months later, he received a letter from “Uncle Sam” saying it was his time to serve his country. Following Basic Training, Wade was sent to Germany for a time, then he was sent back to Minnesota. When he returned, he received orders to report to Savannah, GA. Taking Bonnie with him, they made their home in Georgia for about a year. The couple returned to Minnesota and Wade finished his time in the service.

Starting a family was always on the minds of Wade and Bonnie. They were blessed with four children: Travis, Heath, Amanda, and Lance. They also unfortunately suffered the loss of one miscarriage.

Wade worked for the City of Ortonville for 36 years. He could usually be seen in the orange truck or the sweeper keeping Ortonville clean.

Being proud of his community, Wade was a part of the Cornfest Committee for 41 years. Cornfest was always a big success for him and the community.

As a dedicated member of First Methodist Church in Ortonville, Wade was usually the first one there and the last to leave! He always had to make sure that the lights were on and the doors were open for everyone who would be coming.

Wade enjoyed his morning coffee time with the coffee group. They always had to discuss the local news and goings-on. When they finished, they all headed off to their jobs, just to meet back the next morning to do it all over again.

As a man of many talents, Wade spent many, many hours working in his garage. He was very creative and enjoyed making different things.

Wade enjoyed people. Wherever he went, he always had to stop and visit no matter who it was. He truly loved the conversations, the connections, and the friendships he had with the people of Ortonville and around the area. Young or elderly, he loved them all.

Family was of the utmost importance to Wade. Any time he had with his family meant the world to him. Kids, grandkids, sisters, in-laws; it didn’t matter, he just loved spending that time with them and making those memories.

Wade is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bonnie; children: Travis (Becky) Swezey of Twin Brooks, SD; Heath (Joanie) Swezey of Castlewood, SD; Amanda Swezey of Ortonville, MN; and Lance Swezey of Watertown, SD; four grandkids: Cody Swezey of Albuquerque, NM; Averi Swezey of Twin Brooks, SD; Levi Gabrielson of Ortonville, MN; and Molli Gabrielson of Ortonville, MN; sisters: Sharon (Jim) Howe of Miles City, MT; and Roxanne Swezey of Bloomington, MN; sisters-in-law: Sharon Wieber of Milbank, SD; Pat Bengtson of Isanti, MN; Cindy (Rod) Bublitz of Watertown, SD; and Tami (Jeff) Deering of Sioux Falls, SD; brothers-in-law: Warren (Janice) Bengtson of Coon Rapids, MN; and Paul (Diane) Bengtson of Washburn, ND; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Elizabeth Swezey; mother and father-in-law, Paul and Delores Bengtson; and brothers-in-law: Mike Loy, Arnie Wieber, and Dennis Bengtson.