Dale Virgil Swensrud, 72, of Watford City, North Dakota, died at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota on August 14, 2019. Dale was born October 24, 1946 to Gay and Mildred (Mattson) Swensrud.
He grew up on the family farm where he raised sheep, milked cows, and had a racehorse. When he was 18, he decided he needed more “horsepower.” Dale sold the horse and so began his love for cars. Dale was a Dodge man. He always had one nice car in the garage he drove on special occasions and the rest of the time he drove old, well maintained vehicles.
Dale graduated from Palermo High School in 1964. He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Palermo. He joined the National Guard in 1966 and served his country for 7 years. He was a member of The American Legion.
He was on his way to a job in Williston when the water pump went out of his Corvair in Tioga. He went to work at Farmer’s Union to pay for a new water pump. He stayed for 10 years and met the love of his life, Valerie Mortenson.
Dale worked for Action Auto in Sidney, MT as a mechanic for 2 years. He found it to be his passion, yet it didn’t pay the bills, so he started his trucking career in 1975. He hauled oil and moved drilling rigs for Black Hills Trucking. In 1997, Dale received the ND Truck Driver of the Year award from the Motor Carriers Association for being 2,000,000 miles accident and ticket free. He retired after 34 years of employment.
He was proud of his three sons. He always made time for hunting, fishing, and camping. He loved the Bison, Vikings, Tetons, and listening the oldies on 660.
Dale is survived by his wife of 51 years, Valerie of Watford City, ND; sons, Darin (Charlotte) of Williston, ND and Brock (Jami) of Dickinson, ND; six grandchildren, Tyler Swensrud of Jamestown, ND, Jayden Vaupel of Watford City, ND, Zane and Libby Swensrud of Williston, ND, Brennan and Rylen Swensrud of Dickinson, ND; three great grandchildren, Trey, Ayden, and Teagan of Jamestown, ND; brothers, Raleigh (Sandy) of Plains, MT and Gary of Blaisdell, ND; sister Elaine of New Town, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gay and Mildred Swensrud; brothers, Dean and Daryl; son, Garret; great grandson, Eli; father and mother-in-law, Elgin and Jeanette Mortenson; and brother-in-law, Clyde Mortenson.