DANNY DOUGLAS SWENBY
Danny Douglas Swenby, 65, of Downing, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 18, 2017 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer.
Born in Amery, WI on June 4, 1951, to Douglas and Avis (Stoner) Swenby, Danny lived most of his life in Downing, WI.
Danny attended school in Best Valley, Downing and Glenwood City and was proud to be a lifelong Hilltopper. Graduating high school from Glenwood City in 1969, Danny went to work for Michaels Pipeline. He also worked for Century Fence, Derrick Construction, and Midland Co-op. While at Midland, he transferred from the feed mill to the dairy equipment service department. He later purchased the dairy equipment service business and owned and operated Glenwood City Dairy Center for 10 years. He sold this business to Ridgeland Co-op and worked at Wal-Mart Distribution Center for one summer. From there, he went on to work for Pete’s Automotive Supply as a salesman until his retirement in 2015.
Danny married the love of his life, Marlys Jean McGilton, on October 11, 1975. Their union was blessed with two boys, Justin Daniel in 1976 and Nicholas Bert in 1979. One of his most treasured roles was grandpa to Owen, Esdyn, Ava and Bryn.
Danny was a kind and loving man whose greatest pride was his family. His most precious time was spent on tractor pulling and all things motorsports-related with his two boys. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Danny loved his annual trips to Eagle River World Championship Racing events, trips out west and trips up north to the family cabin. He had a competitive spirit that was often displayed during Packer and Badger games. He also enjoyed being a bus driver for the Glenwood City School District for 23 years.
He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Holy Cross Lutheran Church and the Glenwood City Fire and Ambulance Departments. Danny will be remembered for being a jack of all trades, a peacemaker and an overall one of a kind man. His fun-loving and unique sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Danny is survived by: his wife Marlys, sons Justin (Katie) and Nick (Sheila) Swenby, grandchildren Owen, Esdyn, Ava and Bryn Swenby, all of Downing, WI, brothers David (Pam) of Etwaha, TN, Darren (Beth), Dennis, Devin (Brandee), all of Downing, WI, sisters Debby (Eugene) Klatt, Denise Timblin, Darla (Bucky) Utecht of Downing, WI and Dori (Scott) Goodell of Wheeler, WI, brother-in-law James (Tina) McGilton of Pardeeville, WI, sisters-in-law Eleanor (Fritz) Larson and Virginia (Larry) Thorson, all of Menomonie, WI. He is further survived by aunts, nieces, nephews and his special furry friend Bowie.
Visitation was held on Sunday, May 21 from 3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Glenwood City. Funeral services will also be at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Monday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. Danny was laid to rest at the Tiffany Cemetery in Boyceville, WI. A special thank you to the teams at Mayo Health, Adoray Home Health & Hospice and Anderson Funeral Home for their loving care and support in fulfilling Danny’s final wish to die at home with peace and dignity.