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Stephen Swanson Obituary
Memorial Gathering Saturday November 5th, 9:00AM until time of service at 10:30AM, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 545 S. Ardmore Ave. Villa Park IL, 60181. In lieu of flowers memorials to Bethany College (Attn: Advancement Office 335 E. Swensson Street Lindsborg, KS 67456), ELCA Global Mission (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ELCA Gift Processing Center P.O. Box 1809 Merrifield, VA 22116-8009), or St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment private. Funeral info: steuerlefh.com or (630) 832-4161.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Swanson
Rev. Julie LaHam
August 18, 2025
I am sorry that I was unaware of Steve´s death. He was my pastor when I realized that I too felt called to ordained ministry. Without his example and guidance I could never have pursued it. Thank you beloved pastor, and friend. Because of your example I too can answer to "Pastor." Your life was a blessing to so many. I thank God for allowing me to know you.
Ron Hoffman
July 26, 2025
Steve was a great friend and fellow cyclist - although riding aroud the block a couple of times might not have made us cyclists. We did pass around a couple of tall tales - "I rode up to the top of Mt. Evans yesterday." He was a great and lively pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church. I was glad he connected with Maureen, but it sadly meant his return to Chicago. Janice and I did stop by church in the CHicago area to check in. His battle with West Nile was incredible. He is loved and missed by many!
Ron Hoffman
October 15, 2023
What a great friend, Still miss him and his tall tales. Remembering him so fondly and sending love to his family and friends who all know what a great person he was!!!
Naim Mansour
May 21, 2023
Pastor Steve Swanson from St. Paul Lutheran church ; 1st time we met at The Islamic Foundation mosque in Villa Park after 9-11, Pastor Swanson came and brought St. Paul community to our mosque. That was a great gesture of love and kindness. We also were joined Steve part of the Lombard & Villa Park clergy association, and collected worm cloths for the needy. Last time we met when Steve called me to give a funeral prayer for a Muslim (from Iran) man that was brought to the church in Carol Stream. Steve was a good friend and he will be missed. We say, For Allah what he gave, and for Allah what he took.
Adrianne Monroe
November 5, 2022
Pastor Swanson was a calming constant presence. In moments of stress, I can still feel his hand on my forehead and hear him saying, "May the Lord bless you and keep you, make his face shine upon you, and bring you grace." So happy to have had Pastor Swanson in my life.
Nancy Davis
November 3, 2022
So sorry to hear this. Steve was a wonderful person and we know he will be missed by his family and many, many others.
Kim and Nancy Davis
Rich and Kandy Butterly
November 2, 2022
Maureen, we are saddened by your loss. Trust that The Good Lord is holding him close.
Marian Gabriel
October 31, 2022
May Rev. Stephen Swanson rest in peace and rise in glory. Heartfelt condolences to all who mourn, but especially to Sarah and Paul Bieber.
From the Staff of Steuerle Funeral Home, Ltd.
October 30, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Judith Hume
October 25, 2022
I met Steve a zillion years ago, when our oldest, Alex, was in pre-school at Resurrection in Chicago. Steve was the pastor of the church, and it was because of Steve that we ended up joining that church. We moved to Texas in 1983, and I didn't stay in touch, but I feel compelled to write something now, because Steve made an indelible impression. He was compassionate, but he also had a wonderful sense of humor. He knew his parishioners and cared about them. He was absolutely one of the best human beings I've ever known. He will be missed. The Earth was better with him on it.
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Steuerle Chapel - Villa Park350 South Ardmore Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181
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