Mark Swanson

Mark S. Swanson, age 57, of Stearns Twp., Pine County, MN, passed away at his home on Tuesday evening, May 6, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mark was born in Minneapolis, MN, on July 18, 1956, a son of Curtis and Catherine (Brickley) Swanson. On May 6, 1995, Mark married Judy Garbow in St. Paul, MN. He had various jobs during his career, but he mostly liked building construction. He loved spending time with his dog, a Yellow Lab, named Whitey. He enjoyed watching professional and college sports, and was a big fan of the Vikings, the Wild, and the Gophers. Mark is survived by his wife, Judy; his parents, Curtis and Catherine; two children: Brian (Jennifer) Swanson and Jessica (Chad) Briske; four stepchildren: April Tacheney; Calvin (Jessica) Garbow, James (Anna) Garbow, and Gregory Garbow; five grandchildren; nine step grandchildren; and one step great-grandchild. He is also survived by four brothers: Curtis (Jane) Swanson, Jr., Kent (Jessie) Swanson, Christopher (Carrie) Swanson, and Mike Swanson; a sister, Mary Kay (Rick) Holder; an uncle, Marvin Swanson; sister-in-law, JoAnn (Bill Nail) Garbow; brothers-in-law: David (Pam) Staples, George Garbow, Jr., and Ricky Joe (Rosetta) Garbow; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Evelyn Brickley; parents-in-law, George and Leona Garbow; a sister-in-law, Linda Morgan; and a brother-in-law, John Garbow. Family and friends of Mark Swanson may call at the Danbury Tribal Center on Thursday, May 8, 2014, after 5:00 p.m. The funeral ceremony will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2014 with Lee Staples officiating. Burial will follow in Danbury Cemetery. Casket bearers are: Greg Garbow, Billy Garbow, Calvin Garbow, Ronald Garbow, Ricky Garbow, Jr., and James Garbow. Honorary Casket Bearers are: Curtis Swanson, Jr., Kent Swanson, Christopher Swanson, Mike Swanson, and Brian Swanson. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Webster. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.