Charles W. Swanson

Charles "Charlie" Swanson, 82, of Minneapolis, formerly of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, September 30, 2026, of Parkinson's Disease, at the Minnesota Veteran's Home in Minneapolis.

Charles "Charlie" W. Swanson was born February 5, 1944, in Minneapolis to parents Harvey and Irene Swanson. He was baptized and confirmed at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. In 1959 he moved with his parents and sister, Karen, to Fergus Falls, where his father opened Swanson Equipment. Charlie graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1962 and enrolled at Northwestern University in Chicago before eventually transferring to, and graduating from, the University of Minnesota in 1966 with a degree in Economics.

In 1967, Charlie married his life partner, Julie Lunstad, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. The newlyweds moved to Golden Valley, where Julie was a teacher, while Charlie pursued an MBA at the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota. The Viet Nam War interrupted his MBA plans, and in February of 1968 he joined the United States Air Force. He was commissioned as an officer and served as a Communication Officer in charge of radar communications for B-52s at Castle AFB in California.

Upon his discharge from duty in May of 1972, Charlie and Julie, along with their two children, Stefanie and Brian, moved back to Fergus Falls, where Charlie went into business with his father at Swanson Equipment, later becoming the owner/manager of the business. Their third child, Brett, arrived in April 1976. After more than a decade at Swanson Equipment, Charlie decided to switch careers, getting licensed as a stockbroker and eventually becoming a vice president of investments at Piper Jaffray.

In 1978, Charlie was diagnosed with leukemia, with a prognosis of 2-5 years. Defying the odds, he lived another 48 years, during which time he and Julie raised their three children, welcomed nine grandchildren, and "parented" numerous dogs, the last one being his companion, Mocha. Charlie found meaning in service, contributing to his community through local organizations and his church, earning the Distinguished Service Award and the King Agassiz Award, which honored leaders in farming and agri-business across northwestern and western Minnesota. Charlie's heart was in providing a good education for kids, starting with his own. He served on the Fergus Falls School Board for twelve years, always advocating for what was best and possible to achieve for students.

Charlie enjoyed hunting annually in Dalton with friends and fly-in fishing trips to Canada. He always enjoyed a night of laughter and camaraderie with friends. While Charlie couldn't carry a tune, he loved Jazz, which seemed appropriate. He never passed up a peanut butter cup. His candy jar was always well-stocked. Most of all, Charlie was a loving husband to Julie and a mentor to their children, consistently attending their athletic events, plays, and concerts. He treasured every moment spent with their grandchildren as they found their way in the world.

In 2007 Charlie and Julie moved to Dellwood MN, nearer their families.

Charlie's family is incredibly grateful to the staff at the Veterans Home and Grace Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care, and to Dr. Greg Vercellotti, University of Minnesota, for his care of Charlie through many of those 48 years.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Julie; daughter Stefanie (Walter) Galicich, son Brian (Beth) Swanson, son Brett (Tina) Swanson; grandchildren Eleanor, Charles, and Henry Galicich; Margaret, Anna, and John Swanson; Jack, William, and Haley Swanson; sister Karen Kreiser (Bob); brother-in-law, Gary Lunstad (Mary). Besides his parents, preceding him in death were in-laws, Joseph and Astrid Lunstad, and infant son, Gregory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church, 544 Education Foundation, ADPA (Parkinson's) or Grace Hospice Minneapolis.

A Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 30, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Liz Eide

Interment: Family graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.
Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com