Donald Schweer

Donald Schweer, age 87, of Milbank died on February 20, 2020, at Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Rev. Timothy Koch will officiate, and burial will be at Milbank City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday at the church.

Donald Herman Schweer was born on January 1, 1933, on the family farm in Grant County, SD. He was the son of Herman and Alma (Loeschke) Schweer and the oldest of six children. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith on May 5, 1947. Donald attended country school in Alban Township until eighth grade. He then continued to help on the family farm. On May 18, 1954, he enlisted in the US Navy and served during the Korean Conflict era on the USS Randolph and USS Forrestal, the largest aircraft carrier at that time. On May 16, 1958, he was honorably discharged and was a recipient of the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

While on leave during his time in the Navy, he was introduced to Mildred Agnes MacArthur by Donald’s sister, Esther. Donald and Mildred began writing letters to each other. When he returned home, they were united in marriage on September 19, 1959, in Canby, MN. They were blessed with 55 years of marriage and “not bragging but” five children. Together, they moved to Albee, SD, where they remained until 1961, when they made their permanent home on a farm near Milbank, SD.

Donald was proud to be a farmer; he produced and sold milk to Valley Queen Cheese Factory for over 60 years and was a member of the Dairy Herd Improvement Association for over 40 years. He established Don-Mil-Dale Holsteins and performed the first bovine embryo transplant in Grant County. He enjoyed attending Holstein sales, crop shows, and plot tours. He also completed an auto-mechanic course offered through the G.I. Bill and could fix about anything.

Donald was an avid reader. He followed the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Twins, and he looked forward to watching the games. He liked attending fish/bullhead fry gatherings and having coffee with the Hardee’s group. Donald enjoyed hunting and fishing which created many memories. He was a member of the V.F.W. Grant County Post #3486.

Donald was a devout and faithful member of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and attended Emanuel Lutheran Church. He was a past member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and a listener of the Lutheran Hour. Donald will be remembered as a very honest and hardworking man. His family will also remember how he was a wonderful storyteller. He was very proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donald is survived by his five children: Kevin Schweer of Milbank, SD; Randall (Diane) Schweer of Watertown, SD; Kathryn (David) Meyer of Ortonville, MN; Neil (Gaylne) Schweer of Minot, ND; and Richard (Michelle) Schweer of Milbank, SD; grandchildren: Nicole (Jesse) Morton; Justin Schweer, Joelle (Cameron) Weber, Maria (Jim) Collins, Ana (Salvador) Ruiz, Samuel Schweer, Elise Schweer, Elena Schweer, Elisabeth (Andrew Hentjes) Meyer, Jacob (Natasha) Meyer, Austin (Emily) Schweer, Bentley Schweer, Addie Weeks, Silas Weeks, Kendra Schweer, Kaden Schweer, and Kayla Schweer; great-grandchildren: Hadley Weber, Liam Weber, Ashton Weber, Prudence Ruiz, Charolette Schweer, Aubree Madsen, and Finley Morton, sisters: Evelyn Powell of Chamberlain, SD; and Dorothy Schweer of Boise, ID; and brother-in-law, Charles (Sharon) MacArthur of Zumbrota, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mildred; siblings: Ervin (Carol) Schweer, Esther (Edward) Steltz; and Laverne (Kathleen) Schweer; and brothers-in-law: Arthur Powell, and Dick Cerino.

Donald will be dearly missed, and his memory will be cherished.