Allen Arthur Swanson, 81, entered his Heavenly Home on October 22, 2019. He was born on January 19, 1938 to Eva and Arthur Swanson in Chicago, Illinois.

After graduating from high school in 1956 he moved to Cook and lived in the house his parents had bought in the country.

Allen enlisted in the US Navy in 1957, serving 4 active service years as an aircraft mechanic both on land and at sea aboard the aircraft carriers USS Ranger and USS Yorktown. He was honorably discharged in 1961 and served 2 years in the reserves. In 1960, he was united in marriage to Yvonne Duncanson at the First Baptist Church in Cook. After his service in the Navy, Allen and Yvonne settled down in the countryside outside of Cook to raise their boys.

Allen worked for 30 years as a Millwright for US Steel. During that time he made many friends and mentored many of his coworkers. He retired in 1998.

Allen was a quiet, gentle man who loved his family and the outdoors. He always looked forward to his Canadian fishing trips with church buddies and other friends. Fishing with his family was extra special. He loved his time in the boat on Lake Vermilion teaching his granddaughters how to catch fish.  And we can't forget hunting.  Many a-time "buck fever" ran through the house.

Allen's other hobbies included building model ships, radio-controlled airplanes and boats, and shooting his black powder musket and mortar in competitions. Allen was a very handy carpenter who generously gave of his time to help friends and family with their DIY projects.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents; and his mother-in-law Betty H. Johnson.

Allen is survived by his wife of 59 years, Yvonne; two sons: Troy A. (Denise) Swanson of Barnes, WI, and Scott D. (Michelle) Swanson of Eveleth, MN; granddaughters: Kaitlin and Lynsey of Eveleth, MN, and Raechel of Burnsville, MN; one sister, Ingrid Brownfield of Rochester, MN; special nieces, nephews, and cousins both in Sweden and in the U.S., and many dear friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church, Cook, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com