Randal Scot Swanson

Randal (Randy) Scot Swanson, age 64, of Roseville, Minnesota, passed away at home on February 2nd, 2026.

Randy was born May 30, 1961, in Rush City, Minnesota, to Carl Richard Swanson and Roberta Lois Swanson as the firstborn of four children.

Randy graduated from Charlotte High School in Michigan in 1980 and went on to earn a B.A. in English Language and Literature from Bethel College, St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1986.

In 1993, Randy married Holly Wenzel of Crystal Falls, Michigan. The couple settled in Roseville, Minnesota. They loved their rescued setters, hiking, and cherished visits to their Lake Michigan cabin. Those who knew him saw the steady love and dedication he had for Holly. Randy loved literature and art and always seemed to have a story ready-often about their dogs-told with his trademark warmth and humor. His curiosity led him to read across diverse subjects from medieval literature to current scientific and cutting-edge technology. Randy was the sort of person who noticed when others needed a hand and quietly stepped in to help.

Randy was a follower of Jesus Christ. The son of a Baptist pastor, he had a steady, sincere faith that shaped the way he lived. He was a faithful member of Elim Baptist Church (now Mill City) in Minneapolis, where he found community, encouragement, and friendship. He was well known by many in the congregation, especially those he worked with at Bethel University. His passing has brought him into the presence of Jesus.

Randy built a career around helping people through information and technology. He spent nearly three decades at Bethel, beginning on the ITS Help Desk where he was known for translating complex issues into clear, practical support. He later served as a Library Digital Specialist and Library Web Specialist, managing the website and maintaining tools that connected patrons to online resources through close collaboration with librarians, campus partners, vendors, and users. He continued that steady, people-first approach in customer support at Bibliotheca. A natural troubleshooter with a gift for communication, he was remembered for his collegial spirit, patience, and generous sharing of technical knowledge.

He will be deeply missed by many.

Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta Swanson; and his parents-in-law, Dwayne Wenzel and Phyllis Wenzel.

He is survived by his wife, Holly; his father, Richard; his siblings, Ken (Lily), Brian (Beth), and Karen (Charles Vonderheid); his nephew, Michael (Rachel) Vonderheid; his great-niece, Azalea Vonderheid; and his niece, Maggie Crum (Joe).

A Celebration of Life for Randy will be held at Mill City Church, 685 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, on a future date.