Darrel Myrlen SWENSON

October 29, 1937 - June 14, 2024

Cheney - Born October 29th, 1937, passed away peacefully at home June 14th, 2024.

Darrel was so very much loved by his large family and many friends. He was always the life of the party and loved watching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids (and really anyone) play and perform. Whether it was little league baseball, softball, track, band, choir, gymnastics, ballet, or rock concerts, he was there watching and supporting his family.

He was born in the small town of Deary, Idaho, to his parents Clarence and Lily Swenson as the middle of five children. The family moved to Clarkston, Washington, when he was five years old. He grew up in Clarkston and had many fond memories, especially of his High School football team that went undefeated his Senior year.

Darrel went on to play college football at Wenatchee Valley College and Columbia Basin Community College and attend Lewis-Clark Normal.

In 1959, he married Margaret Stalter from Clarkston. Being newlyweds, they soon landed in Ashwood, Oregon, where they taught in a small school, being the only two teachers in the entire school! They had many adventures, even owning a gold mine in Oregon. In 1961, they landed in Four Lakes, Washington, and purchased the family home. They also opened a restaurant in Four Lakes (Whistle Stop) and then one in Medical Lake (Swede's Drive Inn), all while raising four children.

Darrel went on to work at Eastern State Hospital for the next 25 years as a recreation director (which he loved) and earned a degree from Eastern Washington State College in 1970.

He loved yelling at ballgames for his EAGS, ZAGS, Seahawks, Mariners, and Cheney Blackhawks (where 20 members of his family have attended so far!).

He also greatly enjoyed his time golfing and hanging out with his dear friend, Glen Netz.

His family ALWAYS came first, and he rarely missed an event. We are so grateful for the love shown by so many. He left us way too early, but with his faith in Jesus, we know he is enjoying a ballgame in Heaven.

He leaves behind his love, Margy Swenson; his children, Mitch (Kris) Swenson, Marci (John) Tanzer, Merrick (Rhonda) Swenson, and Nels (Kerry) Swenson.

His sisters, Vivian Fisher and Vicki (Marvin) Greenwalt; and his brother, Dean (Cathy) Swenson.

His grandchildren, Bree (Allison), Stefan (Bryn), Quinn (Rose), Amanda (Donovan), Annika (Tyreil), Ian (Alyson), Anna (Steve), Keaton (Sara), Kendra (Tom), Olivia, Ashton, Brielle, Lily, Grace, Sadie, Noah, Jordan, Sarah, Ashley (Steve), and Adam (Wendy).

Great-grandchildren, Layla, Livy, Emerson, Jovi, Margaret, Lennon, Sullivan, TJ, Regan, Payton, Henry, Edison, Maverick, August, and one more coming soon!

We want to formally THANK our sister, Marci Tanzer, for the never-ending love, time, and energy she devoted to Dad's care. We love you.

Memorial Service to be held at First Presbyterian Church, Spokane, 318 S. Cedar, August 21st, at 11AM, with a picnic and softball game in his honor afterward.

Any donations can be made to the Cheney High School, Nels D. Swenson Courage Scholarship in his honor.