Obituary for Paul Edward Swanson

Swanson, Paul Edward age 72, of Maple Grove, passed away on April 29, 2024. He was born July 25, 1951 in Minneapolis, MN.

Preceded in death by parents, Edmund and Elizabeth Swanson, and brother John. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 48 years, Cindy; son, Chad (Amanda); granddaughters, Kaley and Emma; siblings, Bill (Laraine) and Linda; many relatives and friends.

Paul grew up in St. Louis Park and graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1969. He has an Associate’s Degree from Dunwoody College of Technology and served in the Minnesota National Guard for 6 years. In 1972 he joined United Church Directories.

He worked in the Church Directory business for over 50 years. He enjoyed working closely with churches, meeting many pastors and priests, and understanding how he could serve them and the congregation with directories. In the early days he worked as a photographer and met Cindy in January 1974 while photographing Armstrong Church. It was the era of the OPEC oil embargo, and he ran out of gas on their first date requiring his sister to come to their rescue on a cold January night. Fortunately, the new relationship did not run out of gas, and they were married May 24, 1975. Their 49^th Wedding Anniversary is later this month.

Paul and Cindy purchased a house in Maple Grove in 1978 where they continue to live. With the arrival of their son Chad in 1981, Paul loved being a dad. Over the years, they enjoyed going to sports events (especially Twins & Vikings (29-year season ticket holder)), movies, fishing at the cabin, and traveling. Paul and Cindy enjoyed traveling together and being able to visit family around the country and exploring new places. Paul always had a ‘next trip’ in the plans and even in the hospital was talking about the next adventures he was looking forward to taking in 2024.

Paul had immense pride in his family especially his granddaughters Kaley and Emma. He loved going to their activities and hearing about what was happening in their worlds along with the weekend trips to Ankeny, IA. One of the highlights was their 3-week family trip to British Columbia and Alaska to celebrate Paul turning 70.

The world was always half full to Paul and he was always ready with a smile and a slap on the back to make you feel special. We will miss Paul greatly, and we are heartbroken that he is gone too soon. However, we were fortunate to have him in our lives and know how he positively impacted so many with his approach to life.

Memorial Service at 11am Monday, May 13, at Revive Church, 7849 W Broadway, Brooklyn Park with visitation 1 hour prior to memorial service at church. Evansnordby.com