Milo J. Swenke, 86

Milo J. Swenke, 86, Kasson, Minn., died July 5, at Prairie Meadows Assisted Living in Kasson.

He was born to Myrtle and Edward Swenke Aug. 19, 1924. His mother later married Ernest John Pape, Milo’s loving stepfather, and Milo was raised in Princeton, Minn. He was married to Selma C. Peterson on March 10, 1945, in Ft. Hood, Texas. She preceded him in death in 1997. For his entire life he worked in the dairy industry as a champion butter maker and worked into plant management. Milo settled into the Goodhue community where he raised his family.

He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, and a 64-year member of the American Legion. He was named Outstanding Citizen of the Year for Goodhue County in 1965. Milo loved the Minnesota Twins, golfing, fishing, playing cards, and a good conversation with anyone that would listen.

He is survived by four sons: Richard Swenke and Mary, Old Frontenac, Minn.; David (Julie), Sun Valley, Idaho; Thomas (Bonnie), Lake Zumbro, Minn.; Mark, Hailey, Idaho; and three daughters: Sonja (Don) Sheehan, Kasson; Mary Jo (Russ) Arndt, Byron; Kimberly (Rodney) Farr, Lake Zumbro; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois James, Oregon.

Milo was preceded in death by his wife, Selma; two brothers; and one great-granddaughter.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, July 10, with prayer service at 6 p.m., at Holy Family Catholic Church, Kasson. Friends may also call 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 11, at the church, with the Rev. Paul Surprenant officiating. Burial at St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Mantorville.

In lieu of flowers, family prefers memorials to Holy Family Catholic Church and Seasons Hospice.

Dibble Funeral Home handled arrangements. Online condolences: www.dibblefuneralhome.com.

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