Douglas Trengen, age 73 of Bottineau, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023 near Carpio, ND. His funeral will be held on Friday, Setember 22, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Lake Metigoshe Christian Center.  Visitation will be on Thursday starting at 1:00 pm with a prayer service at 7:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

On September 14, 2023, a true Bottineau icon, Douglas "Swany' Swonder Trengen left behind a Swany sized legacy. His larger than life presence lit up any room he walked into. His love of his country was something to be admired. Swany was an outstanding rock of an American with a heart bigger than one can imagine. His loss leaves a large wound in our hearts and souls.

Swany was born to Marian and Walt Trengen on Mother's Day, May 14th, 1950. With the arrival of his sister, Dianne, in 1952 Swany began his role as a big brother, something he took very seriously. Swany and Dianne spent part of their childhood in Tucson, AZ and Alexandria, MN before moving to Bottineau, ND. He graduated from Bottineau High School in 1968 and then went on to the University of North Dakota where he joined the Sigma Nu fraternity, gaining many lifelong friends. He graduated from UND in 1973 with the intention of becoming a border patrol agent, but the Trengen Farm called him home.

On July 15, 1979, Sway's world forever changed when he met Ava Ann Abernathey. Their paths never parted and they were together for 44 years. Their love for travel, music, hockey, Lake Metigoshe and family brought joy and wonderful memories.

Swany was extremely proud of and committed to his hometown of Bottineau. He generously gave back to the community he loved by serving on local boards and committees. However, the Bottineau Blue Line Hockey Club held a special place in his heart. From playing hockey as a youth, to coaching PeeWee and Bantam teams, as well as being the assistant coach on the high school team, hockey was a part of his life. He truly made a lasting impression on so many players he coached. Every single one of those players was a source of pride and joy for Swany.

From the top of his ever present cowboy hat to the tip of his Sioux green boots, he was a diehard UND hockey fan. "Go Sioux!"

It is no secret that Swany loved his people. He had many close friends from all parts of life. His many nieces and nephews will miss his Swany sized hugs, especially his Goddaughters: Ashley and Shay. If you could see Swany in a Santa Suit, you'd still believe in the magic of Christmas too. but maybe not as long as the Abernathey kids! He was more than just an uncle. He was a teacher, a guide, a man of advice when needed. The hole in their hearts is the size of his 10 gallon hat that they'd see from a corn field away when Swany was coming.

Since 1957, Swany's summers have been centered around Lake Metigoshe and the family cabin. Oh, the stories those cabin walls could tell! Most everyone reading this probably has a story about that little yellow cabin on the point. While the lake held summer adventures for him, his yearly winter ski trips with his lifelong friends, Larry, Byron, Greg and Doug did the same.

For 52 years, February was the time these "ski bums" traversed the Rockies checking out new places for the perfect runs.

Swany's passion for hunting was another source of joy. Along with his loyal hunting partners, Augie and Jack, he spent months enjoying scouting, prepping and finally tracking down those deer, ducks, geese, and pheasants.

The patience that comes with age and retirement pushed Sway in the new directions of gardening and fishing. Ever the student of life, Swany became "hooked" on fishing and developed a new set of skills, He bought his dream boat and spent countless hours in it trying to lure the big ones with his pink "Waleye Slayer" fishing pole. His friend, Dwane, was along for so many of those adventures. When his days of being in the field ended, his days of being in the garden were just beginning and thus the creation of Sway's Salty Pickles came about. Thanks to the guidance of his son's mother-in-law, Fran, he learned the art of making sun pickles. With a few tweaks by Swany, these pickles have become famous. Salsa was his other amazing homegrown creation which was developed with the help of his gardening guru, Helen.

Swany is survived by; his beloved Ava Ann, his son, Chris Fredenburg(Becky), grandchildren, Bryce and Kylie; Sister: Dianne Vangsnes (Dave) Vangsnes; brothers-in-law: Guy Abernathey and Jay(Rhonda) Abernathey; nieces and nephews: Breanna(Luke) Melgaard, Jayden, Braxton, and Brynlee; Ashley(Paul) Suckstorff, Beckham, Nash, and Josie; Jared(Caitlyn) Abernathey, Leif and Soren; Andrew(Lacey) Abernathey, Christian, James and August; Emily(Nathan) Elhard, Colson and Lennon; Kylie Abernathey, and Lucky The Cat..

He is preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Marian Trengen and many aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be given to the Bottineau Blue Line Club PO Box 245 Bottineau, ND 58318

His service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@MetigosheLutheranChurch/streams