Joel Swanson
Joel Swanson, age 77, of New Brighton, Minnesota, formerly of Morris, MN, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on January 3, 2026, after a day spent celebrating the holidays with children and grandchildren. A supportive and loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather, his larger-than-life personality helped him befriend everyone he met.
Visitation for Joel Swanson will be held Saturday, Jan 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton, MN.
Celebration of life for Joel Swanson will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan 17, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton, MN, with a reception following in the church hall.
Joel Swanson will be buried in Calvary Cemetery in Morris, MN, at a later date.
The eldest of eight children, Joel grew up on a farm outside Morris, MN, where he graduated high school and met his wife, Donna (Pasche) Swanson, who preceded him in death Dec 21, 2022, after a 53-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and community.
Joel was a natural leader and joined the Marine Corps right out of college, the University of Minnesota Morris. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, several Chamber of Commerce’s, and more. But he took his Dad and Grandpa duties even more seriously, supporting his children and grandchildren in every performance, sporting event, and professional success he could attend.
He led turnarounds for radio stations in Thief River Falls, Detroit Lakes, and others, and had a very successful career in radio over the course of forty years. Joel’s drive to contribute kept him active, and he was still working as Parish Administrator at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Chaska, MN, when he died.
He and his wife were devoted fans of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Gophers, as well as any college team where his children or grandchildren attended.
Joel is survived by his children: Joel II (Heidi), Wendy, Michael (Shelly), Teresa (Tyler Bitker), and Amanda (John Meuwissen); and thirteen grandsons: Ryker, Joel III (Ulysses), Daniel, Deklin, Gunner, Benjamin, Gannon, Zander, Owen, Micah, Grady, Korbin, and McKoy; his five brothers: Keith, Ken, Chad, Rod, and Tod Swanson; and two sisters, Patricia Kilanowski and Angela Nelson; uncle: Theodore Storck of Morris, MN;
He was preceded in death by his wife: Donna; and his parents: Douglas and Edell Swanson.
Memorials preferred to Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
Arrangements are with Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels – Miller New Brighton Chapel.
