New Brighton – New Brighton – Joel Anthony Swanson, Sr., 77, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Saturday, January 3, 2026, after a day spent celebrating the holidays with children and grandchildren at his home in New Brighton. A supportive and loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather, his larger-than-life personality helped him befriend everyone he met.
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 December 21, 2022, after a 53-year marriage filled with love, laughter, and community.
Joel was a natural leader and joined the Marine Corps right after graduating from the U of M Morris. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Rotary Club, several Chambers of Commerce, and more. But he took his Dad/Grandpa duties even more seriously, supporting his children and grandchildren in every performance, sporting event, and professional success he could attend.
Joel 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 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 13 grandsons: Ryker, Joel III (Ulysses), Daniel, Deklin, Gunner, Benjamin, Gannon, Zander, Owen, Micah, Grady, Korbin, and McKoy. In addition, he is survived by his five brothers, Keith, Ken, Chad, Rod, and Tod Swanson; and two sisters, Patricia Kilanowski and Angela Nelson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; and his parents, Douglas and Edell Swanson.
Memorials preferred to Wounded Warrior Project here: www.woundedwarriorproject.org (Veterans Charity – Non Profit Organization for Veterans) or Tunnels to Towers here: www.t2t.org (Tunnel to Towers Foundation).
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton, with an open casket viewing at 9 a.m., and reception following in the church hall.
Arrangements are with New Brighton Chapel, 651-636-9821, www.Washburn-McReavy.com.
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