Richard Allen Swanson was born June 6, 1949, in Northfield to Harold and Valdez (Mulligan) Swanson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Church of St. Dominic, attended Rosary School, and graduated from Northfield High School in 1968. During high school he began working as a painter with his father - a career which he followed throughout his life. He married Evelyn Erickson in 1971. They later divorced. Aside from 5 years spent living at Leech Lake, Dick lived his life in Northfield and worked as a self employed 3rd generation painter.

Dick served in the National Guard from 1968 - 1977, was a former member of Sertoma, and spent many wonderful years as a coach for Eric Pritchard in the Special Olympics. He enjoyed the arts and was an avid fishermen. He was kind, caring, loving and had a good sense of humor.

Survivors include his daughters: Michelle Parsons and husband Peter of Bellingham, Washington, Dawn Swanson and fiancé Willie Rapp of Northfield; 5 grandchildren: Joseph and Brett Trcka, Samantha, Tyler and Payton Swanson; 2 brothers and their wives: Vic and Dot Swanson of Northfield, Tom and Eunice Swanson of Mankato; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his son Brett on December 29, 1971.

Dick passed away with his family by his side on Saturday morning, August 14, 2010, at the Reflections~Care Suites on the Three Links Campus in Northfield at the age of 61.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11AM Friday, August 20, 2010, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield with Fr. Dennis Dempsey officiating. Lunch will follow. Honorary pall bearers are Mike Behrens, Mike Mulligan, Peter Parsons, Eric Pritchard, Willie Rapp, Jack Streitz and Bonnie Wells. Visitation will be at the church on Friday one hour prior to the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred .

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.