Donna Mae Bernice (Swenson) Dickinson

Donna Dickinson, 93, of Bemidji, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, at Neilson Place in Bemidji, surrounded by her loving family.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Bemidji, with visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the church. The Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Born on Valentine’s Day in 1932 in Fergus Falls, MN, Donna was the daughter of Bernard and Dagmar Jorgensen Swenson. After losing her parents at a young age, she was lovingly welcomed into the home of her Aunt Marie and Uncle Ted Benson in Walker, MN, where she grew up alongside their children and forged lifelong bonds. Donna graduated from Walker High School in 1950 before moving to Bemidji to attend Bemidji State Teacher’s College.

It was in Bemidji, through the Young Adult Group at First Presbyterian Church, that Donna met Richard “Dick” Dickinson. The two married on August 21, 1954, at the church that remained central to their lives for decades. Together, they raised a family, built a business, and became deeply woven into the fabric of the Bemidji community.

Donna was known for her tireless work ethic. From her early jobs in high school to her long career supporting Dickinson Realtors, she remained dedicated and industrious well into her 80’s. She and Dick shared a love of skiing, spending countless hours at Buena Vista Ski Area, and even took part in water ski shows—Donna famously at the top of the pyramid despite not being able to swim.

Her community involvement was extensive and heartfelt. Donna contributed her time and talents to PEO, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Sweet Adelines, Meals on Wheels, Beltrami County Fair, and First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed bridge, sewing, gardening, decorating, and hosting gatherings. She also cherished traveling and socializing with Dick’s barbershop quartet, the Century Notes.

Donna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She delighted in supporting her children and grandchildren in their activities, traveling far and wide to cheer them on. Her six grandchildren will serve as urn bearers, a testament to the love and legacy she leaves behind.

Donna is survived by her children: Karen (Hollis) Treeby, Mark (Wanda) Dickinson, and Janet (Doug Rees) Dickinson; grandchildren: Rex (Abby) Treeby, Halley (Scott) Kleemann, Wyatt (Billie) Treeby, Jenna (Derek) Brandt, Danny Dickinson, and Michael Dickinson; and four great-granddaughters: Addie, Hazey, Jentry, and Jaxy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, her parents, and her five siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the PEO Scholarship Fund or First Presbyterian Church of Bemidji.

Donna’s warmth, energy, and devotion to family and community will be remembered always.

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