Dennis “Butch” Swanson

Dennis “Butch” Swanson, 78, died Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at the Westview Care Center in Britt. He was 78. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center.

Dennis Craig “Butch” Swanson was born on December 24, 1946, in Buffalo Center; the son of Wallace and Dorothy (Ostrander) Swanson. Butch grew up in Buffalo Center, where he graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1965. He went on to attend North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) for two years before transferring to Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in Industrial Arts.

On June 15, 1969, he was united in marriage to Rosalind “Roz” Leibrand at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center. Following college and marriage, Butch began his career in education, teaching industrial arts in Staunton, IL for six years. He taught subjects such as welding, auto mechanics, drafting, and electricity. Butch then moved to Titonka, where he worked for one year in the school district. During this time, Butch took jobs on evenings and weekends repairing farm equipment.

In 1976, Butch and his wife Roz moved their family back to Buffalo Center, buying a farm place south of town that had been owned by his grandfather, Earl Ostrander. It was here that Butch opened Swanson Welding with the motto “It can be done.” Over the years, he built a reputation for his solid work and innovation that kept farmers in the field. Often during harvest season, Butch would start work before six, stopping only for dinner and supper, then go out to the shop and work into the late evening. His business became a staple in the community, reflecting his work ethic and dedication to helping others.

Butch had an incredible understanding of how things worked. He had an engineering mind and a creative spirit. His innovative spirit and hands-on approach to problem-solving accompanied by his warm and easy-going personality were admired by many.

Outside of work, Butch enjoyed riding horses and participated in horse shows with his kids in Forest City. He and Roz had a love for camping, often spending time in National Parks. For several years, Butch and Roz wintered in New Mexico and Arizona, where they hiked with groups and explored parts of the area that most tourists never see. Butch was devoted to his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. His grandkids knew that Grandpa was always up for an adventure and for sneaking an extra cookie. Butch was a member of the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Center.

He is survived by his wife, Roz of Buffalo Center; children, Doug (Cindy) Swanson of Minneapolis, MN, Wendy (Martin) Myers of Kansas City, MO, Brad (Megan) Swanson of Stillwater, MN; grandchildren, Paige, Madison, Craig, Ella, Lily, Sophie, and Eli. He is also survived by siblings, Duane Swanson, Brian (Kristi) Swanson, Ron (Eloise) Swanson; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents; and sister, Cindy Kirkwold.

Online condolences may be made to oakcrestfuneralservices.com.