David Swenson

Swenson, David E. VERONA David E. Swenson, age 70, died on June 18, 2008, at Badger Prairie Health Care Center. He was born Oct. 6, 1937, to Orrin and Ruth Swenson (born Port), who preceded him in death. Dave struggled with mental illness most of his life but in his words, "he always tried". He was proud that he graduated from UW Madison with a B.S in history in 1969 and worked as a security guard for Tri-State in the 1980s. One of his biggest disappointments was that he was only able to serve in the United States Army for six months. Dave had strong opinions about political issues which he shared generously. He was a committed member of St. Stephens Church and a life member of the National Rifle Association. Dave had an uncanny ability to remember dates and numbers and to endear himself to women, including his friend and guardian, Diane Prellwitz, who knew him for 25 years. He had a playful sense of humor and a mischievous smile. David is survived by his maternal uncle, Fritz Port; cousins, Delores (Glenn) Platterer and Donald Port; paternal aunt, Marion Swenson Kundiger; cousin, Jerri (Pete) Garrison; as well as other cousins. Dave met many people over his lifetime who he considered friends. He especially appreciated the friends who were up for a chat every so often. A special thanks to Pastor Nick, Nancy and Dewey from St. Stephens Church, who made Dave feel welcome at St. Stephens and took a special interest in him until the very end. To Mary, Jeannie, Bonnie, Bin Tou, the physicians and staff on Unit 1 South at Badger Prairie who were very attentive and kind in their care of him over the past several months. To Eve and the nursing staff on 8th floor at St. Marys Hospital, who teased, cajoled and pampered Dave while caring for him in the past year. To the staff at Karmenta who appreciated him for who he was. To Gail, Lucy, Bernie, Jessica and Jennifer and all Daves other friends at Yahara House who respected and genuinely cared about him and to Sue, Nancy and other staff at Dean Avenue Group Home who had a real soft spot for him. Dave was also fortunate that his Aunt Myrtle and Uncle Fritz Port generously set up a funeral trust for him so we can bring his life to a close with a memorial service at the church he loved and with music he chose himself. Funeral Services will be held at ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5700 Pheasant Hill Road, Monona, on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Nick Upthall and Jerry Folk presiding. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Stephens Church.