Dorene Swenson
Dorene Mae (Jants) Swenson, 87, of Burleson, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026. Dorene was born June 23, 1938, in Canby, Minn., to Alfred and Mildred (Knutson) Jants. She graduated from Canby High School in 1956. After briefly attending Sioux Valley Nursing School, she pursued cosmetology at Stewart’s School of Hairstyling in Sioux Falls, S.D., graduating in 1958. She later earned her Cosmetology Instructor’s License in 1968 and taught for two years.
On December 21, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert Swenson. As an Army wife, Dorene supported her family through assignments at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Buckner, Okinawa; Fort Dix, N.J.; Fort Lincoln, N.D.; and Fort Sill, Okla. Throughout those years, she raised three sons and continued her career as a hairstylist, retiring after 25 years in the profession. Dorene later helped Robert own and manage the Golden Corral Steakhouse in Stephenville, Texas, for 12 years, she then worked for Walmart before fully retiring.
A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Dorene faithfully served in every community she called home. In Waco, Texas, she became an active member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, participating in WELCA, Stephen Ministry, Altar Guild, quilting and the funeral committee. She also volunteered at Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2012.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Arlington, Texas, with interment following at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Dorene is survived by a sister Marlene (Jants) Gibson of Arden Hills, Minn.; her three sons: Brad (Debbie) Swenson of Burleson, Texas, Robert Jr. (Beccy) Swenson of Lohn, Texas, and Barry (Mary Kay) Swenson of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren: Heather, Caitlin, Eric, Derrick, Tanya, Ashlee, Kyla, Valerie, Jonathan, Paul and Christopher; and several great-grandchildren.
Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Swenson family online at www.mountainvalleyfuneralhome.com.