Donald Frederick Swanson, Sr. Obituary

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Swanson, Donald Frederick Sr. Age 95 of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 18, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Clayton A. Swanson and Irma B. Swanson, wife Virginia H., and daughter Cynthia Swanson. She is survived by her son Donald (Susan) Swanson, Jr., daughter Janet (Scott) Webster, and grandchildren Lisa (George) Kalantzakis, Thomas (Zachary Hardin) Webster, Stephanie (Giorgio Mosoni) Swanson , Stuart (Maureen) Lindgren and Timothy (Frank Quesada) Webster, sister Sally (Ray) Gleason, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Minneapolis, he graduated from Washburn High School and the University of Minnesota. While serving in the US Army, he was assigned to General MacArthur’s Officer’s Club in Tokyo. Don worked at General Mills, Inc. for 36 years, first in sales while living in Oklahoma and Texas, and then at General Mills headquarters in Minneapolis. He held several management positions as he rose through the ranks, including Chief Financial Officer and Vice-Chairman. As Vice-Chairman he is the Chairman of the Board of 26 non-food subsidiaries including well-known brands David Crystal, Lacoste USA, Kimberly Knits, Foot Joy, Monet Jewelry, Parker Brothers Games, Kenner Toys, Lionel Trains, Talbots, Eddie Bauer, Kittinger Furniture, and Pennsylvania House. Don is a director on the boards of General Mills, Soo Line Corp, Jostens, Graco, and First National Bank. After his retirement from General Mills, he was the Chairman of Soo Line Corp. In addition, he is the past chairman of the Minneapolis UNCF, the Metropolitan Economic Development Association, and the Cereal Institute. He is a former trustee of the Carlson School of Management and a former board member for the Viking Council (BSA) and the Minnesota Orchestra. He is a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, past member of Wayzata Country Club, Minneapolis Club, and Royal Poinciana Golf Club (Naples). He was a former member of St. Therese Church (Deephaven) and currently a member of St. Ann Catholic Church (Naples). Don traveled extensively for work and leisure and shared his love of travel with his children and grandchildren. He stands out for his breadth of knowledge and keen intelligence. He will long be remembered for modeling the importance of family, hard work, constant learning, and for his kindness and generosity. He is an incredible role model and inspiration for many. One of his final achievements was living through Hurricane Ian and its aftermath while remaining “calm as a cucumber”. He was blessed with a long and wonderful life, and others were blessed to have him as a part of them. Memorials may be made to the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (designated for pancreatic cancer research in memory of his daughter Cynthia Swanson), or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Published on December 25, 2022

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