Service Information
Evan H. Swanson, age 85, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at his home.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. at Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the church.
Obituary
Evan Howard Swanson, 85, died peacefully at home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, on March 5, 2025, surrounded by hymns, hugs, and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred, and his brother Carlos. He is survived by his wife Evie; children Bruce, Jill, Ann (Brent Hill), and Sara (Brent Lane); grandchildren Charles, Kyle, Alex, Anders, Annika, Harrison, Oskar, and Olaf; several great-grandchildren; and numerous others who thought of Evan as a father or grandfather figure in their lives.
Evan was born on March 2, 1940, in Ute, Iowa. He spent his youth there, graduating from Ute High School in 1958 before attending Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. Here he gained not only a secondary teaching degree, but also found the love of his life and best friend, Evie Johnson. Evan and Evie were married in Hutchinson, Minnesota, on August 17, 1961.
After graduating in 1963, Evan took a job teaching at Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Over the next 57 years, he profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of young people who came through his classroom at Maplewood, teaching history, government, geography, chemistry, and biology. Beyond the classroom, Evan also spent many hours as a student government and class sponsor, played sports with the students during rec time, and would take groups of students to town whenever they needed a ride.
Warmly referred to by many students as Swanee, Evan is regarded by many as their favorite teacher. He was known as a teacher who challenged his students and encouraged them to think for themselves. At the same time, he was beloved for his kind and gentle nature, his humor and true concern for students, and his willingness to do anything to help each one succeed. As one former student recalled, he “always made me feel like I mattered, even in the moments I least deserved it!”
Evan’s voice of reason and experience was respected in staff meetings. He became, by action not self-pronouncement, a life-saving mentor to young teachers and new principals alike. He became an institution of the institution, though he relished not status, but relationships. In all things, his Christian faith came forth in the life he lived. He exemplified the Christ-like ideal that true influence is not won by bluster, but by humble self-sacrifice.
Evan loved his family. He was known for bringing Evie flowers on Friday afternoons. His kids remember him as a calm, wise influence in their lives, who while being proud of their accomplishments was more interested in who they were than what they were. He enjoyed being silly with the grandkids and attending their activities whenever possible.
Evan was a longtime member of the Hutchinson Seventh-day Adventist church. He enjoyed gardening in the summer and discussing politics and sports with the many people who’d stop by to visit. For many years, Evan actively participated in Hutchinson city league softball and basketball, bowling leagues, and tennis. During the later decades of his life, Evan was most likely to be spotted with a Siberian husky near his side. He loved his huskies and they loved him.
Evan will be missed by many. But his body is now at rest from the slow but steady ravages of dementia. His family looks forward to the great day of resurrection, the blessed hope, when God will call Evan and all His children home for eternity.
The family would like to thank the many who have supported and encouraged during these last most difficult months, especially the hospice team. The family also asks that in lieu of any flowers or other gifts, that you would honor Evan’s legacy with a gift to the Maplewood Academy Worthy Student Fund to the place where he gave of himself for 57 years. (www.maplewoodacademy.org/donations)
Don Krassin says
I was one who enjoyed my time at Maplewood Academy. Having Mr Swanson as my teacher for history and geography was great. I learned so much.
Many of my fellow students disliked World Geography. As I told Mr Swanson many years later, I enjoyed the geography class and still remembered parts of the geography class that many years later were most helpful in understanding world news etc.
He also got me to ready weekly news magazines which I still do!
I am very thankful for Mr Swanson being in my life. He was “Mr Maplewood” to all of my generation. Coming to alumni weekend was just better when we could see his face looking about like we remembered him way back when the Class of ’67 walked those halls.
His memory was amazing when he stopped by our honor class meetings and could remember nearly all our names and where we came from!!
My heartfelt condolences to Evvie and all the children and grandchildren.
Britaini Maisu says
Dearest Swanee,
You will forever be missed, you gave 57 years of your life to teaching the young teens and young adults at Maplewood Academy, impacting so many lives. I always enjoyed your classes and loved your friendly smiles and quick wit. You will forever be missed and never forgotten.
Luanne M Wood says
Swanee, you will be greatly missed. You taught my mom, my brothers and I, my kids, and so many others within these generations. And you never forgot the name that went with the face. You would tell our kids stories about when you taught their parents! You were a huge part of the core of stability in many of us, always welcoming, always had a smile, always had some words of wisdom and guidance. I don’t see how they can get by without you. Sleep well in peace till our Father comes to wake you. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you again soon. With love, and with prayers for the family and for Maplewood Academy.
Janice Flanary Flanary says
Dearest Swanson family,
Swanson was one of the greatest gifts of attending MWA. This saying/ thought is in my head regarding you. People may not always remember what you said( as evidenced in my grades) but they will always remember how you made them feel. You always made me feel like you had time for me. Thank you for those countless moments.
Jaclyn Knight says
The essence of who Mr Swanson was is so well stated here. We are thankful that we got to experience working with & living near Evan & Evie during our time at MWA. They are an inspiration to the next generation of boarding academy families who dedicate their lives to serving young people. It’s a hard job with long hours. I know many a coworker will remember Evan’s counsel & positive attitude as they face challenges in their field of ministry. May God give the family comfort at this time with the blessed hope of heaven.
Susan Burnett Quaale says
I attended Maplewood Academy 1966 to 1970. Swanee as everyone called him, was my General Science teacher, History and PAD (government class)
He also taught my daughter when she attended 1987-1989. Always looked for him whenever we visited the MWA campus for different functions. I remember visiting with him a bit 2 years ago for my great niece’s 1st birthday March of 2023. I saw him briefly a few more times over the last 2 years for Alumni weekends and great nephew’s dedication at Hutchinson church last year. He will be missed.
Kris Shafer says
So many memories of a phenomenal man! My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Swanson family-love to you all, Kris (Cizek) Shafer
Jill Mattson says
His passing is a great loss to so many. It will never be the same at Maplewood. He was a huge blessing to so many of us over the years.
Pauline Sutton Morse says
Thank you so much for letting us know that Mr. Swanson passed away. He helped to begin to think for myself. He was an awesome individual. I remember him fondly. I feel like I’m a better person for taking PAD(government). I always looked for him when I would go back for Alumni weekends.
Laurel (Beedle) Miller says
He was my favorite teacher and I was honored that he wanted me to be his reader / worker while I was at Maplewood during the 2008-2009 school year. Today I am a teacher and professor. I learned from him what a fair and reasonable teacher should be. He truly loved his students, his profession and lived his life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed and I can’t wait to see him in the second coming
Arlen Mekelburg says
Evan crossed my path for two years when we worked at Maplewood and we found out we were kindred teaching spirits. Sunday is typically an off day for boarding school teachers but I have always wandered over to the classroom on Sunday to prepare for the week. The science room was up on second floor but the copier was down on first so down I would go, do my copying, but on the way back I would hear some noise and see the light out the door of Swannie’s room so I would walk down and peek in and find Evan sitting at his desk doing teaching stuff like myself and we were the only ones in the building. We were just classroom junkies. Good times.
Larry Budd says
Rest in peace! Mr. Swanson was one of my favorite teachers way back in 1968… He’s in the hands of the lord…
heidi monson says
Rest in peace dear friend and mentor. You never judged and always smiled and we were better to have known you and been in your presence. I like to think you are walking your huskies in the dusky witer woods with a smile on your face….in your shorts of course. We miss you already.
Lynette Rivinius says
Swanee was my favorite teacher for my academy & college years. When he looked at you with that soft smile, you knew he had your interest at heart. He made learning fun. I can still remember writing in all the state capitals & rivers on a blank map. I can also remember sneaking into the bathroom after lights out to study for his class. He was truly an amazing teacher. May God wrap His arms of love around all the family members especially at this time.
Donovan Anderson says
I remember Mr Swanson fondly. He lived a nice long life. Sorry to hear about the dementia. Alzheimers is a cruel disease. It lasts on average about 14 years. There are many stages. He was respected by his students and he was responsible for getting me to read US News and world reports and Time Magazine and Newsweek. I read them weekly until they kind of faded away. Where is Newsweek now? Where is US news and world reports. I guess Time is still around in limited form. The computer changed journalism profoundly. I think it made Americans more polarized. I love the computer but it put us into opposing camps. I’m sure he would have had a lot to say about that. Kind of a tribalism. He was a gentle soul. He taught me a lot. He helped as an advisor. He taught me how to find answers on my own. He had a dry sense of humor. I respected him greatly. I am amazed that he had such a long life. He is resting now. Waiting for Jesus to return. I’m positive he will be there when the roll is called up yonder.
He had to be patient to deal with us as teen agers. I wish I could has said goodbye and wished him a safe journey.
Mark Johnson says
Whenever I think of what makes a great teacher, I think of Mr. Swanson. He was passionate about what he was teaching (in my case History), and you could tell it while he lectured. He definitely passed that passion on to me. While an era ended with his retirement, his life will live on in the memories of all the students he taught over the years. Goodbye Mr. Chips….
Sylvia Morton says
When I think Uncle Evan, I think of :
That great smile attached to a belly laugh
Jogging in the snow, to live and enjoy life longer.
Going to the Gym, and playing fun games with anyone that wanted to come along.
Going canoeing / camping at the Great Lakes, we’re we had to hang our belongings high into the trees, away from Bears, Flipping the canoe.
Going to the The Johnson farm. Milking cows, jumping in the hay in the barn.
How he really love living there at the school.
Very spiritual, and involved w the church, applying w his history love.
He just loved his family, and his living legacy really is in all he taught and did for others in everything he did.
To be a teacher is great commitment in helping people grow in the full stature of what they were created to be.
My deepest condolences for The family, it’s painful, however less painful when you know you’ll see him again.
Many blessings