In Memory of Paul R. Swanson

Paul Swanson passed away on October 23, 2025. Paul was a resident of Covenant Living Golden Valley since 2003. He was a faithful woodworker, Swedish pancake and bread baker, and warm welcomer of newcomers. He loved greeting his fellow residents and visitors with a kind word and a twinkle in his eye.

Paul was born on May 31, 1934 in Cloquet, Minnesota to Rev. O.R. and Agnes Swanson. As the son of a Covenant pastor, he moved often during his childhood. Paul studied at Minnehaha Academy, North Park Junior College, Case Western Reserve University and North Park Seminary. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol LeVahn, in 1955. They had three children, Steven, David and Sarah. Paul became a Covenant pastor serving congregations in West Point, CA, Silverhill, AL, and Detroit, MI. He received a call to teach the Bible at Minnehaha Academy in 1966, where he became known as “Rabbi.” Paul retired from teaching in 2002. In retirement he became a missionary, living in Slovakia, Taiwan, China, Mexico, and Alaska. Paul’s second passion after teaching the Bible was camping and canoeing in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. He was instrumental in establishing Adventurous Christians camping ministry. He led scores of canoe trips with students and couples into the wilderness where they could meet God. At the age of 81, Paul married Janice and they enjoyed 10+ years of joy-filled life together at Covenant Living.

Paul was a member of Bethlehem Covenant Church in south Minneapolis. He served on several regional and national boards with the Evangelical Covenant Church and Covenant Retirement Communities.

Paul is survived by his wife Janice, sons Steven (Barbara) Swanson, David (Jill) Swanson, daughter Sarah Swanson, granddaughter Catherine (Lucas) Christiansen, grandson Carl (Jessica) Swanson, brothers Bruce and John Swanson and Janice’s sons Jon (Karen) Carlson, Scott (Sandra)Carlson, daughter Lisa Carlson (Peter Schulze) and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Minnehaha Academy, Upper Campus Chapel, 3100 W. River Parkway, Minneapolis on Sunday, November 9, 2:00pm. Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Paul Swanson to Minnehaha Academy.