Dolores Beverly (Nielsen) Swan, age 90, passed away peacefully and was called home to her Lord Jesus Christ at the Marion, SD Tieszen Memorial Home on Friday, May 2, 2025, in Marion, SD. She was born on May 7, 1934, to August and Grace Nielsen in rural Rolfe, IA.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at Miller Funeral Home Southside Chapel. A family burial will take place in Rolfe, IA, at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Tieszen Memorial activities department.

On May 7, 1934, the world became a better place with the birth of Dolores Beverly Nielsen to August "Sunny" and Grace Nielsen at their home in rural Rolfe, IA. Dolores was the eldest of three daughters. Maxine and Darlene later graced this family. Many fond memories lent way to laughter about childhood stories when they were together.

Dolores attended Des Moines Township (DMT) in rural Rolfe, IA. She married Glen Holtorf on January 1, 1954, but later divorced. The couple had three children: Dale, Eugene, and Heidi.

On July 16, 1962, Dolores and George E. Swan were married in Rolfe, Iowa. Together, they expanded their family with the addition of two more daughters, Paula and Robin.

In 1966, the family relocated to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. George worked for the Argus Leader, while Dolores dedicated herself to being a busy stay-at-home mom, caring for their five young children.

After moving to South Dakota, the family settled on a small acreage. She enjoyed gardening and was always supportive of the rest of the family's exciting ideas, which included making wine, raising mink, cattle, chickens, and a pig named Gladys, as well as dogs and cucumbers for the pickle plant. With five children and a husband who was a creative dreamer, there were plenty of ideas to explore!

Once the kids were in school, she decided to pursue her career. She was hired as a nurse's aide at Sioux Valley Hospital, where she held various positions over the years. She loved interacting with people, and they loved her in return. Her calming presence made a positive impact in different situations, and she remained composed, helping others feel safe. She spoke highly of her colleagues and considered them to be friends.

After retiring, Dolores and George purchased a home in Diamond City, Arkansas. They appreciated the pleasant weather and beautiful landscapes. Dolores became actively involved in the Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church. The couple made several close friends and thoroughly enjoyed their time in the Ozarks.

After George passed away in October of 2013, Dolores chose to move back to Sioux Falls to be closer to family.

Dolores always had a passion for music. Throughout her school years, she sang at weddings, funerals, and dances. In her later years, she enjoyed singing with her family. Whether it was just a few of them in a car or large groups at family reunions, she played a key role in creating the music.

Dolores was an artist with many gifts. She put pen to paper, writing poems and drawing. She and George worked side by side making many shorebirds and Santas. George would carve, and Dolores did all the painting. They sold their carvings at Art Festivals and Art Galleries in South Dakota.

Grateful to have shared her life are her children, Dale Holtorf, Canon City, CO, Eugene Holtorf (Deb) of Fort Dodge, lowa, Heidi (Randy) Schmidt of Granada, Minnesota, Paula Sedelmeier of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Robin (Jerome) Miller of Tea, South Dakota; sister, Darlene Donavan, Waukee, lowa; grandchildren, Ashley Holtorf, Angel (Jaroslaw) Jarzebczyk, April VanLeirsburg, Angie (Michael) Mohrhauser, Tyler (Tina) Holtorf, Jacob (Jenny) Holtorf, Carson Holtorf, Aubrey Holtorf, Joe (Heather) Pirie, Isaac (Hilary) Pirie, Bradey (Jennifer) Schmidt, Eric (Stephanie) Schmidt, Bob (Deanna) Sedelmeier,  Randy Sedelmeier, Elizabeth Little Eagle, Jeremy (Andrea) Miller; Thirty great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband, George E. Swan; her parents, August "Sunny" and Grace Nielsen; her sister, Maxine Johnson; George's parents, Robert and Emma Swan; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Roberta Quisenberry; and her brother-in-law, Jerry Donovan.