Bruce Swigerd

Bruce Swigerd, age 89, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday. Fr. Shawn Polman will celebrate the Mass, and inurnment will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville at a later date.

Bruce Michael Swigerd was born in Ortonville, MN, on October 26, 1935, to Joe and Elsie (Wedemeyer) Swigerd.

After graduating from Ortonville High School in 1953, Bruce began his career at Farmers Union, where he worked for eight years before moving into auto sales for the next 36 years.

On March 16, 1963, Bruce was united in marriage with Evelyn Kruse. Together, they raised three children: Roxy, Rick, and Rose. Family was the heart of Bruce’s life, and he was a steadfast supporter, cheerleader and source of endless love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Bruce’s love for people made him a natural salesperson which earned him numerous awards, including the Cadillac Crest Diamond Award, Chevrolet Legion of Leaders, Oldsmobile Vanguard Gold, and Chrysler Corp. Silver and Gold Club honors. Bruce didn’t just sell material things. He sold kindness. He sold joy. He sold the belief that people are good, and he had a rare ability to always see the best in others, no matter the circumstances.

A devoted member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Bruce also dedicated himself to his community. He served in the National Guard for 10 years, the Ortonville Fire Department for 20 years, and as a Big Stone County Commissioner for eight years. He gave his time generously by serving on many boards, including, Prairie Five, RDC, Main Street Industries, and the Big Stone Historical Society and Museum.

Bruce was also deeply proud of his 45 years of sobriety, and he served as a sponsor and mentor to many others on their own journeys.

Bruce had a range of hobbies that kept him moving and smiling. He enjoyed roller skating, hunting, fishing, baseball, fast-pitch softball, golfing, and coin hunting. He was also an avid snowmobile and motorcycle enthusiast.

Above all, Bruce was known for his trademark twinkle-eyed grin, his quick wit, his boundless optimism, and his playful teasing. And, of course, for his unmatched talent of talking non-stop. His legacy lives on in the kindness he shared so freely.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Evelyn; daughters: Kim (George) Juarez of WA; Roxy (David) Hames of Blaine, MN; and Rose (Jason) Aesoph of Sioux Falls, SD; nine grandchildren: Ashley, Alyssa, Amber, Megan, Alex, Jordan, Jamie, Shawna, and Marissa; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Elsie; his in-laws, Harley and Florence Kruse; his brothers: Jack and Bob, and his beloved son, Richard Michael.