Darrel Myrlen Swenson

Darrel Swenson, age 86, was born Oct. 29th, 1937, and passed away peacefully at home on 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, 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 5 children. The family moved to Clarkston, Washington when he was 5 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 2 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 4 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 (which 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, and 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), 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, Wednesday, August 21st at 11 AM, 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.

Darrel Myrlen Swenson

October 29, 1937 - June 14, 2024