Michael P. "Swanee" Swanson

Michael Patrick Swanson (“Swanee”) age 63, of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by family, after a 5-year courageous battle with prostate cancer.

Mike was born on August 30, 1961, in Lake City, MN, to Raymond and Patricia (Abts) Swanson. He graduated from Cotter High School in Winona and then completed degrees from Winona State University and Alexandria Tech for Law Enforcement.

In July 1987, he married Jenny Rollinger, and together they had two children, Ashley and Kyle.

Mike started his law enforcement career in Houston County. In 1989, he began working for the City of Winona as a patrol officer and later became the D.A.R.E. officer. At the time of his retirement, he was a narcotics investigator.

After retiring from law enforcement, Mike drove school bus for First Student and drove semi for Silver Eagle and Kreidermacher Farms. His final accomplishment was teaching truck driving at Southeast Tech in Winona.

He was very active in the Winona community, spending many hours at Bud King Hockey Arena, coaching, starting the Ted Foss Golf Tournament, and a bean bag league. He was an active member of the Sons of the American Legion, Old Timer Hockey, and the German Police Exchange Program.

In his spare time, Mike enjoyed playing cards, camping, biking, hiking, and hunting. He especially enjoyed his yearly Canadian fishing trips, high school hockey tournaments, and skiing trips. His greatest joy in life was his family, and he especially cherished the time that he spent with his three granddaughters.

Mike is lovingly survived by his wife, Jenny; daughter, Ashley; son, Kyle; granddaughters: Temperance, Emmery, and Arabelle; brothers: Larry (Diane), Gene (Lori), and Ken (Debra); sisters: Ritz (Brian), Rindy (Bob), Verna (Kent), and Cheryl (Rick); father-in-law: Hank; in-laws: Jeff (Deb), Terry (Kathy), Hank (Nicole), and Scott; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Patricia; brother, Don; and mother-in-law, Nancy.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from noon until 4:30 PM, where Fr. Russ Scepaniak will lead a prayer service at 4:30 PM. Following the prayer service, a luncheon and reception will be held at the Winona American Legion Club, 302 E. Sarnia St.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Mike’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.