Dennis LaVern Swanson

Dennis L. Swanson, 78, of Fort Dodge, passed away Saturday February 7, 2026, at his home.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Wednesday February 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Laufersweiler Funeral Home. Military Rites will be presented by the US Army and VFW Post 1856 at 4:00 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Dennis LaVern Swanson was born on June 27, 1947, in Fort Dodge. He was raised here and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High. From 1966 until 1968, Dennis served in the US Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He also served in Vietnam for a year. After his honorable discharge, he worked at Iowa Tire Company and currently Mikos & Matt furniture. On July 19, 1969, he married Gayle Knieriem. Dennis loved his sons and grandchildren more than anything. He also loved hunting, fishing, relaxing at the trailer at Spirit Lake, and talking and telling stories to everyone he met.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Gayle, sons, Aaron and David Swanson, grandsons, Braxton Swanson, Christopher Remington, Hunter Swanson, sisters, Cathie Vinson, Bobbie Hardgrove, brother and sister-in-law, Lance & Dee Tinken, and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Rose & LaVern Swanson, son, Patrick Swanson, brother, Frank (Karen) Swanson, brothers-in-law, Richard Vinson, Bill Hardgrove, and granddaughter, Keirstyn Swanson.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.