Robert Bruce Swanson, 88, long-time Elbow Lake, MN resident, passed peacefully on January 19, 2026 at River Pointe of Moorhead, due to dementia. Bruce was born on June 10, 1937 in Moorhead MN, to Robert and Ruth Eastlund Swanson. Bruce graduated from Moorhead High School in 1955, and Moorhead Business College in 1959 with a business and education degree.

He married his lifelong love Maurine Alice Martinson on August 17, 1958. They were married for 67 years, and raised their four children in Elbow Lake, MN. Bruce taught high school business courses at Elbow Lake Wendell High School for 37 years. In summers, he taught Driver’s Education to over 1100 students. After retirement, he began his new career as a part-time accountant, handy man, and construction worker. He enjoyed doing tax returns for friends and family members.

Retirement allowed him to perfect his woodworking skills, and he loved to give away his hand-made treasures, including bird-houses, kids toys, and decorative shelves, which were often hand painted by Maurine. He and Maurine loved spending summers at their cabin on Pelican Lake. At the lake you could find him in his work shop, tending his garden and apple trees, or fishing for walleyes. He was an active member of the Linden Park Beach Association.

Bruce was a dedicated member of Bethlehem Lutheran church for over 60 years, where he enjoyed sharing his time as church treasurer (54 years), handyman, usher and choir member.

Bruce is survived by his wife Maurine; children Debra Swanson (Dan), Susan Counts, Eric Swanson (Amy), Jon Swanson; grandchildren Janet Lano, Shelby Lano (Oliver), Olivia Komendera (Darek), Kirsten Gearing (Chris), Eric Counts, Kathryn Counts (Noah), Tyler Everson (Jennifer), Gayle Olson (Michael), Brett Swanson (Kendra); Brittany Shorette (Joe), Sam Gonshorowski, Maddie Whitney (Gabe); 10 great-grandchildren; Sister Ellen Dew, Brother Bill Swanson (Sheryl).

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sharon Teschendorf, and brother Tim Swanson.

Memorial service to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bruce’s name may be made to Bethlehem West Elbow Lake Lutheran Church (bwellchurch.com) or Grant County Humane Society (gchumsoc.org). Online condolences may be shared at Wrightfuneral.com/obituaries.