Walter Swingen

To view a recording of Walter's memorial service, click the following link: https://youtu.be/URYOQHod53U

Walter I. Swingen, 92, Bemidji, MN and Grand Forks, ND, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024, at home with his loving family at his side on the north shore of Lake Bemidji.

Walter Irwin Swingen, the son of Alanzo and Jane (Pellerin) Swingen, was born December 24, 1931 at Cooperstown, North Dakota.  He was raised in Grand Forks and graduated from Central High School.  Walt furthered his education and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of North Dakota.  

Walter married his high school sweetheart, Norma (Pudgie) Locklin on May 31, 1953, at Grand Forks. They started their young lives together in Japan while Walter was serving in the U.S. Air Force and returned to Grand Forks upon his honorable discharge.

Upon Walt’s discharge he spent the entirety of his professional career at the helm of Swingen Construction Company building quality bridges and heavy foundations across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Montana.  Walt obtained the degree of Eagle Scout and proudly lived the “Scouts Motto”. He practiced his strong belief in the value of education by serving on the board of the UND Alumni Association.  He also served on the Board of the Associated General Contractors of North Dakota Education Foundation. Both as board chairman. Walt received the Sioux Award, and The Henry Haavig Award.  He also is inducted into the North Dakota Highway Hall of Honor.

Walts greatest personal interest was creating special lifetime memories for his family, and especially his grandchildren.  Everyone holds these memories close to their heart and are often reminisced about with great delight.,  

Walt is survived by his children, Erin (Cliff) Dodd, Scottsdale AZ, Dan (Heidi) Swingen, Grand Forks, Anthony Swingen, Bemidji,; grandchildren, Ryan Dunphy, Scottsdale, Haley Dunphy, Phoenix, Cole Miles, Scottsdale, Nicholas (Jess) Swingen, Grand Forks, Michael Swingen Boulder CO, Brooke (Tylden) Kossan Grand Forks; great grandchildren, Madalynn Reyes and Lilyan Reyes, Phoenix, Elizabeth Swingen, Grand Forks, Collette Kossan, Riese Kossan, and Audrey Kossan. Grand Forks.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Norma, parents, a brother, Lowell Swingen, and son Lonnie Swingen.

Memorials are suggested to:  UND Alumni Association, Associated General Contractors of North Dakota Education Foundation, or Sanford Bemidji Home Care and Hospice

Memorial services will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks with visitation one hour prior to the service.  The family will lay him to rest in Memorial Cemetery of Grand Forks.