Jerome Allen Swanson

Jerry Swanson, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Arvada, CO. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the United Parish of Elkton, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Jerome Allen Swanson Sr. was born on April 30, 1938, in Ada, MN, to Sidney Sr. and Irene Swanson. Jerome primarily grew up in Leola, SD, where he attended school and worked in the family bakery.

After graduation from Leola High School, he attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD, where he majored in education. He then taught in multiple schools in South Dakota. He later found his passion in ministry, receiving his degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Jerry became ordained in the United Methodist Church and served as a pastor in Elkton, SD, and Aurora, SD. After his marriage to Diane, he became an administrator in the Good Samaritan Society and moved to North Dakota, covering sites in Osnabrock, ND, Park River, ND, and Oakes, ND.

Following retirement, he moved back to South Dakota with his wife, Diane, to be closer to both of their families. Jerry's hobbies included baking, reading, woodworking, watching the Twins and Vikings, and taking care of his yard.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Swanson, and daughter Ann (Scott) Bremer. He is survived by children Cheryl (Benjie) Garchitorena, Sara Heath, Kori (fiancée Kenzy) Swanson, Kelly (Jenny) Swanson, Becky (Steve) Swanson, and Allen (Emily) Swanson. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A full obituary to follow.