Dick Swanson

1936 - 2025

Richard "Dick" Swanson, 89, of Aitkin died Friday, November 14, 2025 at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin surrounded by his immediate family. He was born June 22, 1936 in Minneapolis the son of Carl and Alice (Kenney) Swanson. He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1955. He attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and a minor in humanities. Upon graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he was stationed in France until his honorable discharge in 1962. Dick was united in marriage to Martha "Marty" Young in 1968 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. After marriage, they moved to Aitkin where Dick continued as a social worker for Aitkin County until his retirement in 1998.

At their home in Aitkin, Dick loved being outside, tending to a large flower and vegetable garden, which brought him great joy. He also loved teaching his kids and grandkids how to fish and took great pride in seeing them catch a sunny or simply watching them laugh and play in the water.

Dick was also a big kid at heart. He loved everything about Christmas, and collected comic books, toys, goofy watches, and relished in the smiles these brought to kids and adults alike. In addition, Dick loved singing and was part of several vocal groups when he was young. He made sure that music was an important part of his family's life and they often enjoyed Sunday afternoons listening to and singing music together.

Dick and Marty also served as foster parents, sharing their home with 23 foster children over the years. He started the Duluth Youth Organization while working in St. Louis County and launched Aitkin's Operation Christmas during his first year in Aitkin.

Faith was an important part of Dick's life. He was a member of First Lutheran Church in Aitkin and served on the church's personnel committee for many years.

Dick was a beloved husband, dad and grandpa, and will be remembered as a long-time member of the Aitkin community, a kind and caring social worker, and a friend to many. His constant smile, calming voice and patient nature will be greatly missed.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Alice Swanson, and siblings: Kenny Swanson, Robert Swanson, Bette Buck, Marilyn Bulger, Margie Collard and Pat Bergman.

Dick is survived by his wife Marty; Daughter, Michelle (Don); Son, Jeffrey (Heather); Grandchildren: Cody, Elli, & Maci; Brother and sister-in-law: Ronald (Marlys); Sister-in-law Beverly; and many special foster children, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, December 8 at First Lutheran Church in Aitkin under the direction of Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Aitkin (www.srtfuneral.com). Visitation will take place beginning at 10:30 AM with the funeral at 11:30 AM and a luncheon at the church immediately following. A private family burial will occur at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Aitkin Community Food Shelf, Aitkin's Operation Christmas or First Lutheran Church of Aitkin.