John C. Swanson, age 91, passed away on June 1, 2025. John was the fourth and youngest child in his family. He graduated from Dickinson HS and proudly served both in the Air Force and Army National Guard after which he attended the University of North Dakota and earned an industrial engineering degree. While managing his career and raising six children, John also earned his MBA from the University of Minnesota.
In 1957, he married the love of his life, Dolores Katherine Van Lith. Together they lived life to the fullest, enjoying family road-trip vacations in the station wagon with camper in tow, while sharing the beauty of state and national parks. In retirement, they lived in their dream home on the river in Elk River, MN. As a true family man, spending time with his wife and children was his greatest joy. He was also an avid fisherman, hunter, and golfer.
John is survived by his children Jeri Birdsall (Jim), Mark (Margaret) Swanson, Cheri (John) Tidrick, Lynn (Mark) Mackowick, Brian (Ruth) Swanson, Greg (Glenda) Swanson, Barbara (Joe) Abdoo; grandchildren Rebecca (Jeff) Schmitz, Christina (Dan) Mach, Benjamin Auch, Alicia Auch, Evan Swanson, Shane Swanson, Elisabeth Abdoo, Jonathan Abdoo, Daisy Swanson, Mia Swanson, Matthew Swanson. Great grandchildren Connor and Carter Schmitz, Kyle, Justin and Sydney Mach. He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Dolores, parents Carl and Anna, sisters Elizabeth (Leo) Henning, Margaret (Ken) Hankerson, and Claire (Dave) Hester, infant baby brother, and great grandson Brady John Schmitz.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM Monday, June 9 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 525 Jackson Street, Anoka, MN with visitation from 10 AM to 11 AM.
