Richard Duane Swanson

Richard “Swanny” Swanson, age 89 of Cottage Grove passed away on July 18, 2023. He is survived by his children Tracy (Dennis) LaCroix, Ward (Mary), Wayne (Nancy), and Rick (Michelle); stepchildren Sheri Storer and Dan Pepin; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings David and Gloria. He is preceded in death by his wife Rosemary (Bertrand); his former wife Muriel (Englund); parents Roy and Gertrude; siblings Les, Roy, Betty, and Bob.

Richard was born on May 17, 1934, in St. Paul, MN. After serving with the US Marine Corps in Korea, he was married to Muriel Englund and settled in Cottage Grove. He served as a Mechanical Estimator for 3M for over 30 years and was a resolute volunteer with the Cottage Grove Athletic Association in the capacity of coach, umpire, umpire coordinator, and equipment manager.

Richard later married Rosemary (Bertrand) with whom he settled in Cumberland, WI., enjoying the lake and serving with the local church.

Richard was known as an enthusiastic and gregarious individual with a quick-witted sense of humor, who was always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

A visitation, funeral service, and catered lunch service is scheduled for 10:00 AM – 1:15 PM on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at KOK Funeral Home 7676 80^th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Interment will be held at 2:00 PM, at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Richard’s life. The family would like to thank Commons on Marice for their years of compassionate care and dedication. 

For those who would like to participate in Richard's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 11:00 am.  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, please accept our apologies, but the service will be available to watch later in the day.