Roy Merrill Swanson

ROY MERRILL SWANSON January 8, 1938 – November 22, 2019                   Roy Merrill Swanson, age 81, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of West St. Paul, MN, peacefully passed into eternal life on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the Heritage Cottages in Park Rapids, MN.                 Roy was born on January 8, 1938 to John and Elsa Swanson in Minneapolis, MN.  He graduated from Minneapolis South High School with the Class of 1956.  Roy went on to attend the University of Minnesota where he majored in Business Administration, graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in 1960.  Roy began a 34-year long career with the Internal Revenue Service working as an agent based out of the Federal Building in St. Paul.  On May 20, 1979, Roy was united in marriage to Virginia Clausen Brooks in Mendota Heights, MN.  He and Virginia made their home in West St. Paul, MN for 15 years.  Following their retirements, he and Virginia began an 11 yearlong adventure traveling together throughout the United States pulling their travel trailer.  In 2005 they built a home north of Park Rapids where they have resided to the present time.  He attended the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids.                 Roy will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Virginia “Ginger” Brooks of Park Rapids; his brother, Ralph (Delores) Swanson of Monticello, MN; his sister-in-law, Beatta Swanson of Burnsville, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.                 He was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers: Everett and Roland and two sisters: Lilly and Doris.   To leave online condolences or to view the tribute video please visit www.jonespearson.com