We have lost a man who had the smartest mechanical mind of anyone. There wasn't a motor he couldn't fix or a problem he couldn't solve with a wrench and a bit of ingenuity. While he spent his life tuning engines to perfection, his greatest work was the steady, reliable foundation he built for his family. It will be hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.

Darryl Lewis Swanson, age 93, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on March 26, 2026, at Ecumen in Detroit Lakes.

Darryl was born in Graceville, MN to Albin and Grace (Williams) Swanson on August 3, 1932. Darryl began his mechanical journey when he was young. He started out working on the William’s farm when he was 12. Upon graduation from Detroit Lakes Senior High, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 where he was an Air Force Police before being stationed in Greenland as an airplane mechanic. He worked for Fargo Detroit Pop Plant, International Transport Company, Ernie Anderson Gravel, Chevrolet Garage & Gabor Trucking until 1966 when he started his own business, Swanson’s Repair. Not only was he a mechanic, but he was also a Jack of all Trades. If it was broken, he knew what to do! It didn’t matter if it was a car, lawnmower, front end loader, stove, dishwasher, humidifier, dryer, clogged garbage disposal, electrical problem, plumbing issue, a repair issue or whatever, he could fix it!

Darryl was preceded in death by his parents, Albin and Grace Swanson; his first wife, Joan Swanson; his second wife, Gladys Swanson; his daughter, Susan Swanson; and his grandson, Matthew Swanson.

Darryl is survived by his children, Steve (Debbe) Swanson, Jeff (Dona) Swanson, Ann Swanson, and Beth (Tim) Weaver; 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; sister, Mary (Aaron) Longtine; brother, Tom(Bonnie) Swanson; many nieces and nephews; two stepchildren from his second marriage, Eric (Patti) Lindgren and their three daughters and Karn (Tim) Hitchings and their two daughters.

Visitation will be on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at New Creation Lutheran Church, 295 Coney Street W in Perham, MN at 10:00 with a funeral service following at 11:00.

Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Detroit Lakes, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Creation Lutheran Church, 295 Coney Street W in Perham, MN, and HIA Health (Hospice) Detroit Lakes Office 1111 HWY 10 E Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. However, if it were up to Darryl, he would prefer you save your money and perform a random act of kindness or do something to help others!