Delores Swehla

Oct. 11, 1932-Aug. 25, 2023

Delores Opal Swehla, 90, Minot, previously of Bowbells, ND, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, at Trinity Health.

Delores Opal Johnson was born October 11, 1932, to Mabel and Nels Johnson in Grafton ND. She was the oldest of five children, Betty, Jean, Lloyd and Debbie. Delores grew up on their family farm, attending country school through the eighth grade and finishing high school in Grafton while living in a boarding house during the winter months. After graduating she worked at the Walsh County Courthouse.

Delores met Francis Swehla from Park River, ND. They were married on April 12, 1951, in Park River, ND. They started their lives on the Johnson Farm, rural Nash, ND. Delores moved to Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, with Francis when he was stationed there. While Francis was serving his country in Germany, Delores gave birth to their son, Bob. After Francis’s discharge they lived in Grand Forks and then moved to Bowbells in 1955 where they raised their family.

Delores loved being a mother to Bob, Karen, Jo and Mary Sue. Delores played a very active role in her kids’ school activities. She loved the time she spent at their cabin with family and friends at White Bear Lake, Carlyle, Saskatchewan.

Delores was a lifetime member of the Bowbells American Legion Auxiliary for 62 years, serving in many capacities. She received the ND Legion Auxiliary Member of the Year in 2005. Delores was influential in planting trees throughout the Bowbells community. Through her efforts Bowbells was recognized as Tree City USA. Delores recycled long before others did. She was a pioneer in recycling and instrumental in acquiring the first recycling trailer. She worked with the Country Pals 4-H club to collect items to recycle. Delores served on the Board of Directors for Bowbells Rural Housing for many years. She volunteered with First District Health and the Women’s Way. Delores helped start the Bowbells Public Library. She was a 4-H leader, Boy Scout leader, member of Walster Homemaker Club and Bowbells Senior Citizens. She didn’t belong to an organization unless she was dedicated to the cause and willing to be an active member.

Delores’s spiritual faith was very important to her. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Altar Society and taught all catechism for many years.

Delores loved nature, flowers, birds, trees and gardening. Delores had many hobbies, including reading, playing bridge and other card games, doing crossword puzzles, Scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, quilting and daily Wordle. She sewed lots of clothing for her daughters, from blue jeans to a wedding dress. For other people she did alterations to new outfits to complete wedding attire along with Barbie and doll clothes. She was a devoted doll collector. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved to visit and play with her dolls and dress them up. Delores liked baking, trying new recipes and sharing.

In their retirement years, Delores and Francis enjoyed their time and place at Van Hook, as well as their life in Bowbells. Their kids had kids by now and lots of time and fun was had with their grandchildren. Now some of their grandchildren have children and Delores absolutely loved the time spent with great-grandchildren. She kept up to date with them on her treasured digital photo frame.

Delores moved to Minot in 2015 and lived at Cook’s Court. She enjoyed her life there, meeting new friends and was active in many activities.

Delores’s kids feel truly blessed to have had such an amazing Mother. She was humble, kind, compassionate and supportive of her family and found good in everyone.

Survived by: children, Bob (Barb) Swehla, Stevensville MT; Karen Schwartz, Bottineau ND; Jo Boser, Van Hook, ND; Mary Sue (Traver) Knutson, Minot. Grandchildren: Dan (Dez) Swehla, Missoula, MT; Missy Boser (Justin Sevigny), Maple Grove, MN; Julie (Reed) Sonsalla, Missoula, MT; Michael (Hilary) Boser, Renton, WA; Chelsea (Adam) Nathan, Bottineau. Great-Grandchildren: Loic Swehla; Lilah Jo and Cora Boser; and Evalee, Aralie, Denby Nathan. Siblings: Lloyd (Joyce) Johnson; Betty (John) Merloth; Debbie (Skip) Clark; and brother-in-law Mick Paquette. Nieces, nephews and cousins.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Nels and Mabel Johnson; in-laws Mary and Frank Swehla; husband Francis; sister Jean Paquette; brother-in-law Robert Thompson; son-in-law Ernie Boser.

Visitation: There will be no reviewal as cremation has taken place.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Burial: Private family service will take place at the Bowbells Cemetery.

Memorials: Family prefers memorials to Bowbells American Legion Auxiliary, Bowbells Ambulance, Bowbells Senior Citizens, or to an organization of your choice.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, Sept. 11, 2023.