Cole Svartoien: 1986-2022
Cole William Svartoien (Coley) was born on Jan. 4, 1986 to Roland and Jean (Zaun) Svartoien. Upon his birth Cole received his first award, “First Baby of the Year” at Freeman Community Hospital in Freeman, S.D.
Cole began his Christian walk with the Lord upon his baptism and continued with his Confirmation of his faith at Salem Free Lutheran Church of rural Freeman. Cole remained a faithful member and served as a deacon, usher and enjoyed working with the music ministry at church.
Cole attended Freeman Public School and graduated from high school in May 2004.
Cole was blessed with the birth of his daughter on June 12, 2007, Onyx Rae. Cole spent countless hours caring for and entertaining Onyx and she brought him the greatest joy. In December 2018, Make-A-Wish granted Onyx a trip to Disney World to meet her beloved Minnie. It was an incredible memory for Cole and Onyx.
Cole was gifted with the knowledge of how to use and navigate electronics and computers. He solved many problems for others in the technology field. He also loved anything with wheels; the faster the better!
Cole had an extreme love of combining and driving truck on the yearly harvest run, which allowed him to spend countless hours with his Dad. Cole first drove a Gleaner R62 combine at 6 years of age. He bought his first combine at 18 and combined for 30 years. The many years of going on the harvest run from Oklahoma to the Canadian border yielded many lifelong friendships for Cole and Roland and their entire family.
Close to Cole’s heart was his involvement and interest in their family business ventures. He was very instrumental with the behind-the-scenes operations and technology of Meridian Corner. Meridian Corner was very near and dear to him and he always wanted customers to have a good time with family and friends and to enjoy their time at The Corner.
Cole was dealt many obstacles and health issues in his life. He approached each challenge with positivity and hope.
Cole celebrated life with a cheerful and respectful demeanor. He was a kind and gentle soul. His heart of gold impacted many lives. He always wanted to make sure others smiled before he did. Cole was a kid at heart and he especially enjoyed spending time with Onyx and his nieces and nephews, who he loved beyond measure. The love between them was mutual and he brought many smiles, joy and laughter into their lives.
Cole passed from this earthly life to his Heavenly home unexpectedly on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022 at Freeman Regional Health Services.
