John “Blue” Swenson

Cooperstown

John David Swenson, known by all as “Blue”, of Cooperstown, ND passed away on October 1st, 2025, at home with family by his side.

John was born on September 21, 1955 to Henry and Marie (Berg) Swenson in Crosby, ND. John spent his first eight years growing up in Columbus, ND and then moved to Minot, ND, where he graduated from Minot High School in 1973. Following in his mother’s footsteps, John went to Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. John continued his education at North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1979. After a short internship with the NDSU Extension Service in Cavalier, ND, John moved to Cooperstown, ND where he served as the NDSU/Griggs County Extension Agent from 1980 to 2010.

On December 22, 1989 John married the love of his life, Connie Dahl in Mesa, Arizona. They lived in Cooperstown throughout their life together and enjoyed golfing and going to NDSU football games, including trips to Frisco, TX for the championship games. John was also a life-long Green Bay Packers fan.

John was involved in the Jaycees, Livestock Association, Griggs County Fair Board, Cooperstown Country Club, and he was a life-long member of the Oscar-Zero missile site. He was so proud of being instrumental in securing the establishment of Oscar-Zero and didn’t miss a chance to encourage people to visit the site.

John was an avid golfer. His love of golf led him to become a golf coach for the Griggs County Cougars. He had a passion for inspiring young boys and girls to love the game of golf as much as he did. John’s other passion was music. He was an accomplished guitar player, enjoyed getting together with others for a jam session, and had a knack for writing and singing his own songs. There is a rumor that he had his own band called Johnnie Perch and the Minnows. John also enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially hunting pheasants with his dogs at Green Acres.

John is survived by his wife, Connie of Cooperstown; brothers Robert (Cindy) Swenson of Moorhead, MN; Charles (Sandy) Swenson of Minot, ND; Bruce Swenson (Diane Roush) of Lisbon, Iowa. Nieces and Nephews: Patricia (Erik) Von Gundlach, Tom (Emily) Swenson, Bill Swenson, David (Jacqueline) Swenson, Alecia (Matt) Johnson, Becky Swenson (Greg) Dadekian, Andrea Swenson (Rolf) Turk, Barb McManus, Marisa (David) Hecht and 15 grand nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents, brother Tommy, and sister-in-law Jan Swenson.

“Blue” was a “one of a kind” person who will be missed by many. May our memories of him live on forever!

Memorials may be made to Cooperstown Country Club, 305 Fairway Drive, or to the Griggs County 4-H Council, PO Box 70, both of Cooperstown, ND 58425, or to the establishment of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Cooperstown, ND. A lunch will be served at the Cooperstown Country Club.

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 9, 2025.