Howard Swier

Howard Dean Swier, age 76, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 15, 2026.

A time of visitation for Howard will take place from 1:00 to 2:30 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Colton, SD. Also at the Funeral Home will be a prayer service beginning at 2:30, followed by burial at St. Ansgar Cemetery, rural Colton, SD.

Please, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to All Cat Rescue or West Nidaros Lutheran Church

https://siouxempiretnr.org/wish-lists/

https://www.allcatsrescue.org/donate

https://westnidaros.org/giving

Howard was born on July 21, 1949, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Peter and Dorothy (DeJong) Swier. Howard grew up in Colton, where he enjoyed playing football and basketball and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

On December 19, 1970, Howard married the love of his life, Diana Jean Headrick. Together they raised “the two best kids,” Chris and Stacey. Family was always at the center of Howard’s world, and his greatest joy came from being a grandfather to Kaetlin, Kobe, Christopher, and Spencer. He was their biggest fan, never missing a sporting event and proudly supporting his children and grandchildren in all they did.

Howard treasured his time spent golfing with his buddies, fishing with his sister and brother-in-law, playing cards with friends and neighbors and playing beerball with the guys. At home, he found comfort napping with his cats and trying—often unsuccessfully—to take selfies with his beloved cat, Buddy. He also looked forward to his weekly afternoons at the bar, where laughter and friendship were always plentiful. Howard enjoyed being a member of West Nidaros Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter; his mother, Dorothy; his sister and brother-in-law, Barb and Ron Meyer; his brother, Kevin; his grandson, Spencer; and his nephew, Duane.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Diana; his beloved children, Chris (Tonja) and Stacey; his cherished grandchildren, Kobe, Kaetlin, and Christopher; as well as his cousins and many nieces and nephews.