Marvin Allen Swanson, 89, passed away on March 9, 2025 in Cloquet, Minnesota. He was born June 22, 1935 to Josie and Rollie Swanson. Marvin graduated from Pillager High School in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart, Regina, on June 8, 1957.

            Marvin is survived by their daughters Tamara Cartwright and Linda (Dale) Gabrielson, grandchildren Laura (Joe) Lehto, Alyson (Erik) Cartwright and Amber (Drew) Scofield. Great grandchildren Elise, Bailey, Xander and Max Lehto, Bria and Riley Johnson, Peyton, Alex and Joslyn Scofield. Sisters Betty (Norman) Rohl and Marion Carlson, brother Ronnie Swanson, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife, Regina, his parents and his brother Robert Swanson.

            Marvin started working at a very early age mowing lawns and seining minnows. By the age of 10 he was cleaning parts and changing oil at a local gas station. Driving gravel truck for his dad at 14 led to working for Anderson Brothers Road Construction. He also delivered bakery goods in the area. In 1960 he was hired by Minnesota Power as an operator at the Pillager dam, then on to the Little Falls dam. In 1972 the family moved from Pillager to Esko where he was a dispatcher at MP’s Systems Operation Center in Duluth. His work ethic was well known. Marvin retired at 53 to continue to enjoy his other endeavors. 

            Marvin built two tractors, a wood splitter extraordinaire, and remodeled several houses. His deer stand had windows, a deck, and was heated. He fixed antique clocks, often making the parts needed, and plowed many a neighbor’s driveway.

            He and Regina traveled and camped at every opportunity. In later years he went with Linda and Dale.

            Fishing and hunting were important to Marvin-the family ate very well. He fished in the summer and winter. He hunted deer, bear, elk, partridge, pheasants, duck, turkey and prairie dogs. He really enjoyed hunting agates, then made beautiful jewelry.

            The family gives a special thank you to all the staff at New Perspectives, Tender Loving Care, and St. Croix Hospice. Such loving care has been given to Marvin and his family.

            Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 11 AM, with a visitation an hour prior at Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720, with the burial following at Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager. To sign the guestbook and offer an online tribute, see www.AtkinsNorthlandFuneralHome.com.