Thure R. Swanson was born November 5, 1927 on the family farm in rural Beresford, Clay County, South Dakota to Thure and Tillie (Satter) Swanson. He died May 4, 2021 in Sanford Hospital at the age of 93 years.

Thure or "Turk", as many knew him, was raised on the farm, and attended school, graduating from Beresford High School. He married Darlyne Swanson on January 4, 1950. Together they raised their son and twin daughters. Turk worked in construction where he was employed with John Latendresse and Francis Kelly before a long career as a foreman with Golden Rule Construction in Sioux Falls. He retired in 1991. Turk also did some farming on the side throughout the years.

He placed his faith in Jesus at an early age and lived his life following Him. Turk was active in many roles at his church, Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church. He loved time with his family, especially his grand kids and great-grandchildren and to travel with Darlyne. Turk enjoyed reading and spending time in the Word with daily devotions. He kept his mind active with crossword puzzles and was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Twins.

Grateful for having shared his life is his wife of 71 years, Darlyne; son, Ron (LuAnn) Swanson; daughters, Sheila Jensen and Sharon (Jim) Sorensen; eight grandchildren, Michelle (Mark) Gortmaker, Jeremie Swanson (Alicia), Brad Jensen (Lindsay), Christy (Cory) Cline, Jesseca (Ryan) Kast, Jamie (Scott) Peterson, Jon (Amber) Sorensen, Joe (Abby) Sorensen, 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Tony Swanson, two sisters, Pat Messler and Beverly Edblom; brother-in-law, Dick (Ethel) Swanson, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, infant brother, Ronald; sister, Marilyn Carlson; two brothers, Charles and Jim; infant grandchildren, Scott and Kelly Sorensen; and granddaughter, Angie Jensen.

Memorial services will be held at 2PM Monday, May 10, 2021 at Brooklyn Evangelical Free Church, Beresford.