Burt Elliott Swanson

With great sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Burt E. Swanson of Mendota Heights, MN, at the age of 97. Burt was born and raised in Two Harbors, MN, the youngest of two boys born to Harry and Eleanor Swanson. Burt was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Harry, and, most recently, his loving wife of 73 years, Helen. He is survived by their children, Steven (Mary) Swanson, Kathryn (Clark) Zard, Paul Swanson, Tim (Theresa) Swanson, Patrick (Nina) Swanson, and Kari (Scott) Anderson, and their 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Burt graduated from Two Harbors High School in 1945 and immediately enlisted in the Navy. He was honorably discharged after WWII and enrolled in Duluth Junior College and subsequently the University of Minnesota. He graduated with his BBA degree and the rank of Army ROTC 2nd Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corp. Burt and Helen married in the fall of 1950 and, shortly thereafter, Burt was called to active duty in the Korean War. He returned to Minnesota in 1952 and took advantage of an extension of the GI bill to attend law school at the University of Minnesota. His early life was shaped by both his experiences growing up in a rural environment during the Great Depression and his leadership experiences in the military.

Burt and Helen led a very rich and active life. They raised six children and were fully engaged in their work, community, and church. They were an amazing team. Burt thoroughly enjoyed the practice of law and spent his entire career working with the Briggs and Morgan law firm. He was an active volunteer in the Boy Scouts and Jaycees and held many leadership positions in both the Ramsey County Bar Association and the Minnesota State Bar Association. Later in his career he served on a few corporate boards and was an independent trustee for several trusts.

Burt and Helen traveled the world, but Minnesota was always home. They embraced skiing as a family sport for their kids and grandkids and cherished up north cabin time in Hayward, Wisconsin, with family and friends. They enjoyed summers at Somerset Country Club and winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. They hosted countless holiday gatherings, loved attending every kind of family activity, and appreciated their time with life-long friends and family. 

The family is grateful for the outstanding care Burt received at Lexington Pointe Senior Living center in Eagan, MN. The attention of the dedicated staff allowed him to stay independent until his last day of life and, indeed, he had an amazing life.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 8, 2025, with visitation one hour before at King of Kings Lutheran Church (1583 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN). Luncheon to follow. There will be a private Committal Service at Lakewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dodge Nature Center, the Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute, or donor’s choice.