Dale Arlan Swenson

Dale Arlan Swenson, age 69, has passed away after a prolonged illness following a major stroke in December 2025.

Dale is survived by his wife Brenda Anderson Swenson of Wichita (previously Keokuk, Iowa), son Neil Swenson (Cassandra) of Wichita, daughter Amy Swenson (Anthony Bradley) of Santee, California, stepdaughter Anita Robben-Novacek (Steve Novacek) of Wichita, sister Joyce Swenson Graham of Phoenix, brother-in-law Marc Palmateer of Wichita, 6 grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his father James Berney Swenson (of Smolan, Kansas), mother Kathleen Ruthstrom Swenson (of Leonardville Kansas), and sister Karen Swenson Palmateer (of Wichita) and first wife Roberta Shinn Swenson (of Wichita).

Most notable are Dale’s years in public service. He was a member of the State House of Representatives from 1995 to 2010, representing Kansas’ 97th district. He served on a number of legislative committees: The Federal and State Affairs Committee, the Financial Institutions Committee, the Arts and Cultural Resources Committee and the Pensions, Investments, Benefits and Insurance Committee. Significantly, in 1997 he spearheaded the passing of House Bill 2143, which completely removed the wrongful death cap in the state of Kansas.

Dale was raised in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from Wichita High School South, class of 1975. He later obtained a technical degree from WTI for HVAC service and repair. He was employed over 20 years at Boeing and was a part time salesman at La-Z-Boy during his retirement.

One of Dale’s greatest passions was playing jazz and blues on his favorite instrument, the bass guitar. He also liked to build things. Some examples include multiple bass amplifiers, a bass banjo, a two-story shed, a greenhouse made out of storm windows, and an aquaponics fish pond. He loved spending time outside, especially camping and fishing at Marion Reservoir.

Dale adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed attending the after-school functions to watch them play the clarinet or sing with their class. He’d come to every birthday party to celebrate with cake and ice cream, and he’d watch them swim and play in his backyard pool.

Dale and Brenda enjoyed many years of traveling and seeing new places. Together they visited many US states including Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, the Dominican Republic and Sweden, meeting new people and making friends along the way. Dale and Brenda fell in love with Valle Del Oro in Mesa, Arizona and purchased a second home there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Home Health & Hospice of Kansas. If donations are sent to Baker Funeral Home, they will be forwarded to Hospice of Kansas.