Craig Earl Swanson

Craig "Swany" Swanson, age 77 of Glenwood, died Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Glacial Trails Memory Care in Starbuck. A visitation for Swany will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 3rd at Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Glenwood Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Craig Earl "Swany" Swanson, a man known for his humor, friendliness, and wisdom, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in Starbuck, Minnesota at Glacial Trails Memory Care. Born on April 10, 1948, in Glenwood, Minnesota, he was the beloved second child of Earl and Mathilde "Tillie" (Jundt) Swanson.

Swany grew up in Glenwood, where his parents owned and operated Swanson's Inlet Resort, now known as Waska Wood. The resort was not just a business but also a home where family and community intertwined. Craig and his family were members of the Methodist Church in Glenwood.

A proud graduate of Glenwood High School in 1966, Craig furthered his education at Alexandria Technical School, earning an industrial drafting degree in 1968. His early career began with the City of Minneapolis, but in February of 1969, a sense of duty led him and his brother, Gary, to enlist in the U.S. Navy. The two completed boot camp together and Damage Control "A" school on Treasure Island in San Francisco (which was coincidently where their father, Earl, served during WWII) before being assigned to different ships. Craig was assigned to the USS Bennington CVS-20 on the west coast and later the USS Enterprise located on the east coast before being granted a request to join Gary on the USS Coral Sea back in San Francisco. Swany and Gary were both honorably discharged at Alameda, CA in December of 1972, followed by a two-year period in the reserves.

Upon his return to civilian life, Craig resumed his work with the City of Minneapolis, dedicating 17 years of service. Eventually, the call of his hometown brought him back to Glenwood, where he purchased a home and worked various jobs, including delivering fuel for Gary Weber, driving truck seasonally for Offutt farms, and engaging in scrapping, always keeping a keen eye out for metal to recycle.

Craig's early years were filled with the thrill of water skiing, a testament to his love for life and adventure. He also enjoyed the thrill of hunting and fishing, activities that allowed him to connect with family, friends and nature. His commitment to service and community was evident through his membership in the Lowry American Legion and the Starbuck VFW, where he shared camaraderie and support with fellow veterans. He was also a member of the American Beer Can Collector Association.

Swany will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his sister, Barbara (Gary) Holmgren of Beaverton, OR, and brother, Gary (Lois) Swanson of Glenwood, MN; his daughter, Kala Pederson; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and his many friends, including those at all his favorite local watering holes, who will always remember the laughter and kindness that he embodied. Craig was preceded in death by his loving parents, Earl and Tillie.

Craig Earl Swanson's journey through life was marked by his dedication to his country, his family and his friends. His warm smile, bright eyes, gorgeous head of hair along with his easy-going personality, quick laugh, friendliness, and quiet wisdom will remain in the memories of those who knew him. As we bid farewell to Swany, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved.

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