Mavie – Dale Charles Svendsgaard, 90, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, surrounded by family at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Dale was born on June 26, 1934, in Thief River Falls, to Charles and Marie (Wayne) Svendsgaard. He attended country school through the eighth grade before dedicating his life to farming and auctioning. He was a hardworking milk farmer who also raised hogs and grain on the family farm. Dale started auctioning at the young age of 13. He started selling pie-baskets at social at the Mavie, and District 76 Schoolhouses. Dale and Jan worked side by side on the auction business with their children.
Dale auctioned throughout the NW corner of Minnesota for all types of auctions. He continued until a month ago when he did benefit auctions in Middle River and St. Hilaire. Dale drove buses for the Thief River Falls school system, charter buses, and Tri-Valley transportation. He also worked for the pipeline and provided transportation for veterans traveling to Fargo for medical appointments.
On September 1, 1962, Dale married Janice Steinhauer, and together they built a life in Mavie. Family was central to Dale’s life, and he and Janice were blessed with four children: Lydell, Krystal, Twyla, and Kyle.
Dale was known for his warm personality, quick wit, and ever-present smile. He had a gift for seeing the good in others and was a caregiver at heart. For many years, he brought joy to children as Santa Claus at the Goodridge Lions Santa Day. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Lydell (Mary) Svendsgaard of Barnum, Twyla (Craig) Race of Goodridge, and Kyle (Krista) Svendsgaard of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Samantha (Andrew) Alme, Kimberly (Corey) Borowicz, Nicholle (Neil) Schroeder, Brooklyn Svendsgaard, Carter Svendsgaard, Kennedy Svendsgaard, and JJ Bush; great-grandchildren, Toby, Lucas, Adeline, Eloise Alme, Blake and Beau Borowicz, Maleah and Parker Schroeder; brother, William (Aljean) Svendsgaard; brother-in-law, Donald Vatthauer; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friend, Terese Armstrong and her family.
Dale was preceded in death by his wife, Janice; parents, Charles and Marie (Wayne) Svendsgaard; daughter, Krystal Lea; siblings, Karen Thygeson and Kathy Vatthauer; brothers-in-law, Floyd Fredrickson and DuWayn Thygeson.
Visitation was held from 5–7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6 p.m., at Johnson Funeral Services in Thief River Falls, on Friday, February 21, 2025.
A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Lunch followed the burial.
Dale’s legacy of kindness and dedication to family will be cherished by all who knew him.
In lieu of sending “Thank You” cards, a donation will given to Trails to Treatment.
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