Gregory Swanstrom

Gregory “Greg” Swanstrom, 61 of Detroit Lakes, MN, formerly of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on Tuesday, October 26,2021. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Faith Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN at 2:00 PM.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.

Gregory Lee Swanstrom was born on January 14, 1960, in Minneapolis, MN to Charles and Beryl (Slough) Swanstrom.  He graduated from Richfield High school with the class of 1978. After high school, he went to Bemidji State University, where he obtained a degree in criminal justice. While attending college he worked as a DJ for the college radio station playing Christian rock music every Sunday night.  Greg started his career in law enforcement in Ramsey County.

In 1983, He married Susan Hagen. The couple moved to Hawley, MN where he worked for the police department, and as a volunteer EMT, first responder. He then worked for the Dilworth Police Department, Glyndon Police Department, then moved to Twin Valley, MN where he was the Police Chief, and volunteer fireman. The couple then moved to Hubbard County, where he worked as a deputy for close to 20 years and retired from the department in 2017.  While living in Park Rapids following retirement, Greg worked for Nick’s Service as a tow truck driver.

In 2019, the couple moved to Detroit Lakes where he worked for L&M Fleet until his passing. He had also worked as a fire chaser for the DNR in 2020.

Greg was a fifth-degree black belt, a member of the Oyata Shin Shu Ho Family Art. He enjoyed riding the trails for hours on his ATV and motorcycle enjoying the scenery with his wife, hunting grouse, and deer, spending time at his cabin, his two children and grandkids. Greg’s greatest joy was to spend time with the grandchildren.  He loved when he could hold their hands as they walked through the yard or to snuggle up and read a book. Greg’s heart was full when the grandchildren were around.

Greg is survived by his wife of 38 years Susan; sons Bobby and Paul; grandchildren Leroy and Emily; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Beryl; and brother Gary Swanstrom.

TO SEND FLOWERS FOR THE SERVICE, PLEASE CALL LOCAL FLORIST DIRECTLY: DETROIT LAKES FLORAL (218) 844-5860 or CENTRAL FLORAL (218) 844-3664