Alan "Al" Lee Swanson

Alan Swanson of Stanchfield, formerly of north Minneapolis, passed away very unexpectedly Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Cambridge Medical Center Hospital at the age of 65.

Alan Lee Swanson was born June 30, 1953 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Sid and Margaret Swanson.  Alan grew up in north Minneapolis attending Bremer Elementary, Jordan Jr. High and North High School.  He went on to North Hennepin Community College and received a bachelor's degree from Augsburg College with a major in history.

Al grew up at Bethel Lutheran Church; where he was baptized and confirmed.  His love of the outdoors and nature started with many trips to Luther Park Bible Camp in Wisconsin.  Al also talked a lot about the "cabin" that his family owned and how much fun they had there growing up!

During his high school and college years, Al worked at for a National Tea Foods/Del Farm super market at Lowry and Emerson Aves. No. in Minneapolis.   Al stocked shelves, worked in the produce department and made many long term friendships.

Al was married to his college sweetheart; Rhonda Stelten and had two beautiful children; Sara and Ben; whom he loved very much and his grandchildren that he adored!  He always felt bad; that he wasn't there for his children as they grew up!

Al always enjoyed many forms of music and played drums in high school.  During his college years and later, he was the drummer in a band that played at many weddings and private parties.  The group consisted of Al on drums, Rhonda on accordion and a saxophonist; it was known as the RMS Trio.

Al worked in manufacturing for a while at Eaton Corporation and a few others; eventually he received a degree in waste management which started his career working  in environmental services in St. Cloud, Shakopee and St. Paul.

Deer hunting was a passion for Al.  A highlight of the year was hunting with Rhonda's brother at George's Deer Shack.  Even after his brother-in-law's death, Al would hunt at George's.  Almeta knew he loved hunting but also thought that Al " just liked sleeping out in the woods!"   

Living in Big Lake and Stanchfield, Al developed his love of nature.  He became interested in gardening; landscape and vegetable gardening.  Other life long interests of Al's include motorcycles, knives, guns, weaponry, WW II history and history in general.  He loved to travel and visited the USA from California to New Jersey on his motorcycle.  But his favorite place was closer to home; Duluth, MN.

The last 13 years, Al lived in Stanchfield, MN with his bride Almeta.  He enjoyed being out in the country, rarely traveling to the Metro.  He was easy to talk with and was a very good listener.  Qualities of a great person and loyal friend!     

Al is survived by his wife Almeta Swanson of Stanchfield; daughter Sara (Dan) Heffernan of Minnetonka; son Ben Swanson of Minneapolis; grandchildren: Ava, Chloe, Bridget, John, Maci and Logan; siblings Mark (Linda) Swanson of New Jersey, Lee Swanson of the Philippines; nieces Jenn (Kevin) Helder and Julie (Kurt) Hughes all of New Jersey.

He is preceded in death by his parents Sid & Margaret Swanson.

Rev. Nathan Baker-Trinity will officiate at funeral services for Al: 11 AM; Monday (10/1/18) with a time of visitation and reviewal from 4-7 PM on Sunday (9/30/18) and also one hour prior to the service; all at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City. The interment will take place in the Rice Lake Cemetery in Braham.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City~Olson Chapel. www.FuneralAndCremationService.com