Swanson, Donald H. Age 87, of Medina, formerly of Richfield, passed away in his sleep on Friday, January 27, 2023. Survived by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy; daughter, Glorie (Brent) Balfanz; son, Jeff (Liz) Swanson; grandchildren Brandon (Cassandra) Balfanz, Allison (Ryan) Bauman, Bryce (Amanda) Balfanz, Cole Swanson, and Shayna Swanson; great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Kailey and Lola. Also survived by brother Charles Swanson; brother-in-law, Bud Nordstrom and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Luther and Pearl Swanson; brother, Clinton Swanson; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Earl Heyerdahl; brother and sister-in- law, Ross and Pat Swanson; sister, Marilyn Nordstrom and sister and brother-in-law, Therine and Don Haines. Don graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis in 1954. After graduation, Don joined the US Army where he eventually advanced to the rank of Sergeant. He married his high school sweetheart in 1956. They lived and raised their children in Richfield, MN while Don worked at the Star & Tribune for 30 years. After retiring, he managed Buck Hill's ski rental shop, where he had always been active as a Ski Patrol. He also started his own handyman service at this time. Don was an avid golfer, but his main passion was his lake place on Garfield Lake in Laporte, MN. Don and Dorothy loved sharing their lake place with anyone and everyone and were constantly surrounded by family and friends. They were often found on the water with their Glastron boat. How many people learned to water ski behind that boat, we will never know. Don would spend whatever time was needed to teach a new water skier how to ski. That boat, and Don, made for many happy Labor Day memories. Don was an active member of Woodlake Lutheran Church in Richfield, MN, where he was a leader of the church youth group for many years, as well as other leadership roles. Working with youth was a theme for Don and he was masterful at it. While working at the Star Tribune he was a route supervisor- working with paper boys and girls to get your paper delivered. Funeral will be held Friday, February 3, at 3 PM at Woodlake Lutheran Church' 2120 W 76th St, Richfield, MN with visitation beginning at 2 PM. Memorials preferred to Children's Minnesota or Woodlake Lutheran Church. Don was a good man and will be greatly missed by those of us who knew and loved him. Morris Nilsen Chapel 612-869-3226 morrisnilsen.com