Michael Charles Swanson

Swanson, Michael Charles

87, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, at home. Born in Galesburg, IL to Charles Henry Swanson and Barbara Brown Swanson, he was the eldest of three children. Mike graduated from Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) with a Bachelors Degree in History. He worked with his father in the family business, then went on to work in real estate, then for the Toro Corporation and then finally in the turf industry until he retired. Married to Joan DeWitt Swanson in 1959, they had 2 children, and moved from Illinois to Florida in 1972. They had a short time in Maryland and after Joan's passing in 2004, he moved back to Florida, finally settling in Fernandina Beach. He met Janet Darazsdi and remarried 8 years ago. Mike split his time between Florida and the family home in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. He loved fishing, golf, telling stories, reading historical novels, watching John Wayne movies on repeat, his beloved Northwestern Wildcats and a clean car. As he began to slow down, he loved having family around and was surprised in March when the whole family gathered to celebrate his birthday. Four generations attended. He led a full life and often commented on how very lucky he had been. He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughter, Nancy Ebel; son, Thomas (Sue); sister, Joy (Tom Thompson); two grandsons, Braden Ebel (Natalie); Brett Ebel; and his great-granddaughter, Elsa Ebel. There will be a private gathering of the family later this summer. The family hopes you will consider a donation to one of his favorite charities: The Dorothy Molter Museum (Ely, MN), Defenders of Wildlife, or your local Habitat for Humanity.

View Guest Book www.tampabay.com/obits