David Herbert Swendsen

David was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on September 25, 1929, to Herbert and Harriet Swendsen. During his freshman year of high school, the family moved to Stoughton where David excelled in activities and athletics. Lettering in Basketball, Football, and Track, David also played percussion in the school band all four years. He was captain of the football team and class president of the 1947 graduation class. Following graduation, he attended Luther College and ultimately graduated from University of Wisconsin Madison with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Subjects and Journalism. After college, he enlisted in the US Air Force earning his wings training in North American AT-6 Texans and trained for combat missions in the Korean War. However, his skills as a pilot and his love of flying could not help him “handle the G’s” of the jets during the rigorous training exercises and he was honorably discharged as 1st Lieutenant.

He would say later in life that leaving the Air Force was the best thing that happened to him. As It was then he returned to Stoughton and met Jacqueline Suetmeier whom he married in a snowstorm in February of 1955 and lived happily for 58 years until her death in 2013. A newly married man, David began his career with the State of Wisconsin as a Game Warden. He had trout fished and hunted pheasant yet had never even seen a live deer in his life up unto this time. “I was so green, I blended in with the trees”, he recounted his early days. David excelled in his career and soon was employed with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. His continued career successes moved Jackie and their two children numerous times between Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Eventually settling in Acton, Massachusetts in 1978 while David was the Special Agent in charge of the six state New England district. Upon his retirement from his 30-year Government career and with many colorful stories to share, David became a published author with his memoir, “Badge in the Wilderness” published in 1985. That year, David also began his second career as an Educator. Developing his own Wildlife Law Enforcement course with the Universities of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He trained future Park Rangers for the next 20 years and was very proud of his 100% job placement record.

In his free time and not one to sit still, David was an avid Squash player and played well into his eighties. With his love of trout fishing he organized an annual excursion to Parmachenee Lake in northern Maine with his friends for many years. When physical activities became more difficult, David turned to his love of writing and spent much of his later years writing poetry and stories of his life. Never did a loved one’s birthday go by without a charming and (somewhat) rhyming poem to mark the occasion. A true champion for wildlife and the environment, Dave always did his part to make the world a better place. He always enjoyed finding ways to put a smile on someone’s face and he was a loyal friend to many.

Along with his wife Jackie, David is preceded in death by his daughter, Stacy and most recently, his only sibling Lois Jane who passed in January at age 97. He is survived by his son Eric (Amanda) Swendsen of Salisbury, NH, his four grandchildren; Alexa Swendsen of Acton, MA, Andrew Swendsen of Colorado Springs, CO, Emma (Hugo) Bensimon of Brighton, MA, and Katy Swendsen of Atlanta, GA.

His family is planning a private graveside gathering in Acton this summer. David will be remembered fondly by his loving family, many friends near and far, his former students, and many others he met along the way (except perhaps those he arrested).