Donald Lee "Grape" Swedensky

Donald Lee “Grape” Swedensky, 71, was at long last reunited with his wife, the love of his life, on July 25th 2025. He was surrounded in the love of his daughter, Katherine Dellinger and son, James Swedensky. Born in Golden Colorado on July 23, 1954 to Tom and Betty Swedensky, Donald was a wild child from a young age. Often riding his bikes and mini bikes to the extreme, he would continually test the limits of his parents patience and his own safety, but always with daring and a smile. Moving around often throughout his school years, Grape graduated high school in Owensboro, Kentucky in 1972. Upon graduation he followed in his fathers footsteps, becoming an iron worker and building everything from massive bridges to nuclear power plants. From mini bikes to Harleys, Grape spent most of his life on 2 wheels, usually accompanied with his wife Kim, whom he met in 1977 and married later that year. Together they would travel the country, playing the guitar in various bands, even opening for Pure Prairie League and Hank Williams original Drifting Cowboy band. Grape and Kim would build a life of love and devotion, to each other and their many friends. Kim would always be “the flower child” while Grape would be the “fire”. 

Together they built a life, a family, and a legacy which their two kids, Katie and James would be fortunate to have. Grape brought love, devotion, and a steadfastness to everything he did. He was an accomplished guitarist, motorcyclist, husband, father, and grandfather. He was an ironworker for over 30 years and played in numerous bands throughout his life.

Grape is survived by his brother Kevin, daughter Katherine Dellinger, son James Swedensky and his grandchildren Ryan Dellinger, Ansley Church, and Thomas Swedensky. He is welcomed home by his parents and wife.

Arrangements are still being planned at this time. Please reach out to Katherine or James for details.