Funeral services for Byrl Dean Swanson, 93, of Lake Andes were held Monday, May 11 at the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Andes. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery with military honors. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Byrl Dean Swanson, age 93, was born on July 5, 1932, in Canova, South Dakota, to Richard “Ollie” and Kathryn Swanson. In 1933, he moved with his family to Lake Andes, SD, where he was raised on the family farm. There, he developed a lifelong work ethic and a deep connection to the land.

Following his graduation from high school in 1950, Dean proudly joined the United States Air Force. In the wake of his father’s passing in a tragic farm accident, he was sent home to help his mother on the family farm, exemplifying his strong sense of duty and devotion to family.

In 1955, Dean married the love of his life, Marjalie Porter. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and service. They were blessed with five children: Michael (Tammy), Deborah (Mike Whalen), Tamara (Gary Rokusek), Kevin, and Jane Van De Walle, and also mourned the loss of their beloved child, Gracie Ann. His legacy continues through his children, grandchildren, and the many lives they have touched.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Dean farmed full time while also serving his community as a rural mail carrier. He began working with the post office in 1977 as a substitute carrier and went on to serve for 29 years, becoming a full time carrier in 1991. Known for his reliability and dedication, he traveled more than 145 miles daily to serve approximately 160 families. His commitment to safety and excellence earned him recognition, including the National Safety Council Award. Beyond his daily route, Dean also enjoyed representing the post office in the Fish Days parade, where his sense of humor and lively spirit shined. He delighted in dressing up as Elvis, Archie Bunker, and even Marilyn Monroe, and some would say he had better legs than Marilyn herself. In retirement, Dean returned to what he loved most, spending his days farming alongside his sons and continuing that work up until the very end.

Dean was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, a proud member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and an active member of the American Legion. He also served on the board of the Lake Andes Farmers Co-op, the White Swan Township Board, and the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS), contributing to the strength and sustainability of his rural community. He often said that through his years of service, “the best of friends were found”, reflecting the relationships he valued so deeply.

He was honored as a lifetime member of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association (NRLCA) and the National Rifle Association (NRA). In 2004, he was also recognized at the Korean War Memorial in Pierre, SD.

Dean and Marjalie shared a love for polka dancing that brought energy and joy to their lives. They took lessons together and rarely passed up a chance to dance. That love carried into their home, where they would spend evenings in their dining room dancing to music on the jukebox. They passed that joy on to their grandchildren, teaching them to dance and creating memories filled with laughter, music, and togetherness.

Dean will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and deep love for his family and community. But to those who knew him best, some of the most treasured memories were found around the table. Before meals and during holiday gatherings, Dean would bow his head and offer heartfelt, booming prayers, spoken with conviction, gratitude, and a deep love for the Lord. His children and grandchildren would listen closely, often smiling, sometimes trying not to giggle, but always knowing they were part of something special. Those prayers were more than words. They were a reflection of the life he lived. A life rooted in faith, guided by service, and dedicated to doing what was right in the eyes of the good Lord. He did not just speak his faith. He lived it daily through hard work, kindness, and his unwavering commitment to others.

Though his voice may be quiet now, the echoes of those prayers and the rhythm of those dances will live on in the hearts of his family, carried forward in the way they love, serve, and gather together. His legacy is not only in what he built or accomplished, but in the faith he shared, the values he instilled, and the memories that will forever bring comfort, laughter, and strength to those who knew and loved him. On May 2, 2026, Dean peacefully joined his Heavenly Father surrounded in love by his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Marjalie; his sister, Glenda; his children: Michael Swanson and wife Tammy, Deborah Whalen and husband Michael, Tamara Rokusek and husband Gary, Kevin Swanson, and Jane Van De Walle; and his cherished dog Max, who stayed faithfully by his side for the past decade. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jared Swanson( Victoria) and their children Emma, Ella, Evelyn, Ivy, and Owen; Megan Bennett (Robert) and children Lucas, Maxwell, Wyatt, and Weston; Aaron Swanson (DiMera) and children Ridge and Raelynn; Ethan Swanson; Tyler Swanson; Kara Flanagan (Scott) and son Fisher; Danella Moore (Nate) and children Avery, Carter, Flynn, and Lenah; Brandon Rokusek (Kelsey Bowen) and her daughter Carissa; Jessica Gallagher (Mark) and children Holdyn, Tyson, Kaylee Jo, Gracelyn, and Kali Raye; April Mc-Cord (Jay) and children Aubrey and Mason; Marchelle Scholl (Ryan) and children Kynzie and Olivia (Ollie); Gavin Van De Walle (Stephanie) and daughter Mavi; and Abby Van De Walle.