Steven D. Swanson

Steven D. Swanson, 52, of Two Harbors, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 25, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, following medical complications. In keeping with his wishes, he was able to give the gift of life through organ donation.

Steven was born March 31, 1973, to Dennis and Jan (Scotland) Swanson. He grew up in Two Harbors and graduated from THHS in 1991 and Lake Superior College in 1997 and Mesabi Range CTC 2009.

Over the years, Steve built a life of service and adventure. He worked as a machinist before returning home to the North Shore, where he joined the Two Harbors Volunteer Fire Department. That step led him to a long and fulfilling career as a firefighter, equipment operator, and paramedic with the Duluth Fire Department. After retirement, he found great joy working with students as a Principal Lab Machinist and Lab Coordinator at the University of Minnesota–Duluth.

Outside of work, Steve was happiest on the water or outdoors. He loved fishing and boating on Lake Superior, exploring Isle Royale, snowmobiling in the Colorado mountains, and always planning his next adventure.

Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Norma Swanson and Harold and Doris Scotland, uncles Ardell, Gary, and Eldon Swanson, David Brown and his furry best-friend Medic.

He is survived by his parents, Dennis and Jan Swanson; his brother Ryan; his sister Jerrae; niece Malin; nephews Gunnar and Hunter (Sada); godchildren Trey Fleck, Nate Swanson, and Finn Werner; aunts and uncle Marlys Wisch, Sharolyn Blanchard, Carol Swanson, Lee (Polly) Scotland, Nadine Brown; his former wife and friend, Jade Cavallin and their dogs Hardy and Rip; He will also be remembered by many cousins and friends, along with his firefighting brothers and sisters.

A Gathering of Family and Friends to celebrate Steve’s life will be from Noon until 3 PM, with a short service beginning at Noon, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Two Harbors Fire Hall.