A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Alvin Swanson, age 88, of Lakefield, will be held Saturday, August 15th at 1:00 PM at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield, with a time of visitation and gathering from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery in rural Lakefield
Alvin Floyd Swanson was born on February 13, 1938, in the family home on the hill overlooking the family farm, to Carl and Elsie (Brumm) Swanson. He attended Hunter Township School for his elementary education and graduated from Lakefield High School with the Class of 1956. After graduation, Alvin worked various jobs while continuing to farm. He also proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve as a Military Policeman.
On July 13, 1974, Alvin married the love of his life, Rosemary “Rosie” Tolzman. Together they were blessed with three children: Matthew, Deanna, and Marsha. Their family became the center of Alvin’s life and greatest source of pride.
Alvin was a lifelong farmer whose work was more than a career, it was his way of life. In his younger years, he proudly raised corn, soybeans, and beef cattle, dedicating himself to the land with a strong work ethic and quiet determination. He took great pride in providing for his family and believed in the value of hard work, honesty, and perseverance.
After retiring from farming, Alvin and Rosie continued to make their home on the family farm, a place that always held his heart. Remaining on the farm for the rest of his life was his greatest wish, and he was grateful to spend his final years in the home and on the land he loved so dearly.
While farming was his passion, his greatest joy was his family. He deeply loved his grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them on the farm, especially giving them rides on his golf cart and taking them fishing for bullheads. Those simple moments together created memories that his grandchildren will treasure forever.
Alvin also enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Rosie, and his brothers, making trips to the casinos. These outings, along with time spent on the farm and with family, brought him great happiness throughout his life.
Those who knew Alvin will remember him as a hardworking farmer, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. His quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering love for his family leave a legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Alvin passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Rosie Swanson; three children, Matthew (Dianna) Swanson of Pahrump, Nevada, Deanna (Tim) O’Leary of Littleton, Colorado, and Marsha (Corey) Haar of Lakefield; five grandchildren, Jazzmin Swanson, Paige Swanson, Braylon Nicholson, Austin (Kelsea) Haar, and Tanner (Mara) Haar; three great-grandchildren, Oakley Haar, Jaxx Swanson, and Everett Haar; siblings, Alice Carrigan of Mankato, Jeanette (Dick) Garceau of Maplewood, and Edna (Curt) Anderson of Rapid City, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Marlys Swanson; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Elsie Swanson; siblings, Ida (Arnold) Burmeister, Inez (Melvin) Rossow, Arthur (Millie) Swanson, and James Swanson; and brother-in-law, Melbourn Carrigan.
Alvin Swanson will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Arrangements are under the care of the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center.
