Michael "Mike" Swan

Michael "Mike" Swan, Waaswaa Muckwa "Shining Bear", age 70, of Ponsford, MN, died on Monday, February 9, 2026, at his home under the loving care of his family and HIA Hospice.

Michael A. Swan was born August 2, 1955, in White Earth, MN, the son of Maynard and Cleo (Armstrong) Swan. His youth was spent growing up in the Pine Point area. After graduating with the Class of 1973, Mike entered the workforce. He worked for five years at Northwest Bell before attending college at the University of MN-Duluth. In 1984, Mike earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources. Over the next several years, he worked for the MN Chippewa Tribe for five years, then specifically for the White Earth Nation for five years followed by Pollution Control Agency for another five years. He eventually worked his way up to the Director of the Department of Natural Resources for the White Earth Reservation, retiring in 2013. After retiring, Mike continued with his teaching abilities and worked at Detroit Lakes High School teaching Indian Education to the students for five years.

Mike met his soul mate, Audrey Paquette, and the two were bonded in spirit as one on October 20, 2001, with a traditional Ojibwe wedding and then united in marriage on April 20, 2002, with a church wedding. They made their home together in Pine Point and enjoyed many good years together. Audrey passed in 2013 and Mike has continued to live in Pine Point. In his younger years, he spent his time fishing and hunting, then it was traveling and endless hours golfing. Mike will be remembered for his great sense of humor and willingness to help anyone. As a pillar of the community, he kept busy giving back with his time and talents. Mike was active with the Pine Point Community Council for 25 years, the Pine Point School Board for 12 years, Carsonville Fire Department for 17 years, Gaming Commission for 8 years and several years of helping with the Boys and Girls Club in addition to being a spiritual advisor and helping many families with funerals since the 1990's. His loss will be felt throughout the community and by all those who knew and loved him.

Michael is survived by his children: Tricia Jones, Derek Greenfeather, Jr. and Nevaeh Jones; one granddaughter, Aiyannah Greenfeather; three sisters: Patricia (Warren) Strom, Vicki Swan and Beverly Swan; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, a sister, Doreen Seelye; a brother, Donald Armstrong; and his mentor, Joe Bush.

Traditional Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Pine Point School in Pine Point, MN. All-Night Wake Services will begin Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Pine Point School at 5:00 pm with a ceremony beginning at 6:00 pm and will continue until the time of the service on Saturday.