Doug was born November 21, 1959, in Moorhead, MN to Lourene and Helen (Luthi) Swenson as the youngest of five children. Early on Doug discovered a love of blacksmithing and enjoying all things outdoors. Doug graduated from Ulen-Hitterdal High School in 1978 and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Minnesota State University Moorhead and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University.

Doug married the love of his life, Sue, on May 19, 1984, in Hitterdal, MN, and they went on to have four children together. Over the years Doug shared his love of the outdoors and camping with his children, enjoying many family camping trips and spending time canoeing on the lake. His passion for blacksmithing grew over the years into what Doug referred to as his “very serious hobby.” His blacksmith shop was one of his favorite places and where you could find him when he had free time. Doug was able to share his talents with people all over the world as he taught classes and studied with other blacksmiths across the US and Europe. He loved being able to combine his passion for blacksmithing with his love for travel, having travelled to numerous countries over the years including Iceland, Russia, Hungary, Ireland, Sweden, Austria, France, and the UK. When Doug wasn’t travelling or spending time in his blacksmith shop, he loved the time he was able to spend with his family, especially his eight grandchildren.

Doug is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sue; and his children, Nathaniel (Angie) Swenson of Hawley, MN, Christina (Mike) Yeager of Crystal Beach, FL, Racquel (Curt) DeMarteleare of Elkton, SD, and Abigail Swenson of Moorhead, MN; his grandchildren, McKenzie, Emma, Melvin, Bailey, Kiley, Lillian, Gavin and Riley; siblings, John (Donna) Swenson, Julie (Curtis) Aldrich, Jean Pody; and brother-in-law, Ray (Judy) Grundmeier.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Lourene; his sister, LaVonne Grundmeier, and his brother-in-law, Robert Pody.

Doug’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care provided to Doug by Hospice of the Red River Valley over his final months.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022, from 5:00 – 6:30 PM with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 at Wright Funeral Home, 404 Leonard St., Hawley, MN, 56549.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at 11:00 am at Hawley Alliance Church, 404 Peters St, Hawley, MN. A livestream of the service will be available here on Doug’s page.

Interment will be in Hawley Cemetery.