Ethan Ruden Swanson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ethan Swanson on June 3, 2026 at the age of 46. Ethan was a beloved husband to MaKayla and devoted father to Helen and Isaac.
He is survived by his parents, Alan and Lee Swanson; his siblings Aaron, Seth, and Linnea; their families; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Ethan passed away at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, following a 12-day hospitalization after being diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. He was with his father at the time of his death and faced his final days with remarkable courage and resolve, expressing selfless concern for the family he loved so deeply.

Ethan was born in 1980 in Watertown, South Dakota. Ethan was baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran and graduated from Hamlin High School in 1998 as valedictorian. He grew up on a small farm where he developed a love for nature, the outdoors, and gardening. He became a true steward of the Earth, both through his work as a Master Gardener-striving to leave the world a little greener and better than he found it-and through his advocacy for pedestrian and bicycle safety. He also loved photography and spent time working for the college newspaper. He later ran a small business photographing weddings and events before stepping back due to life commitments, ultimately limiting his photography to family moments and portraits.

His childhood growing up on the farm - spent building dams and forts - foreshadowed his first career as a civil engineer, though he wouldn't have known the name for it at the time.
He earned a Bachelors and Masters degrees with highest honors in Civil Engineering from SD School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, SD. He went on to work with Banner Engineering in Brookings and Lidstone Associates in Fort Collins, CO.

After experiencing a major fall while hiking, Ethan decided to change directions and went to SDSU to obtain credentials to become a math teacher. There he met his wife, MaKayla, while they worked together as tutors at a drop-in math center. They were married in 2011 in Rochester, MN. The couple then lived in the northern Twin Cities, MN metro area where Ethan taught Middle and High School Math. The family moved to Rochester, MN in 2019.

Throughout his life, Ethan built a reputation as a thoughtful, observant, and deeply caring person. He was never one to seek the spotlight, but his kindness, integrity, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on all who knew him. In recent years, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to his role as a stay-at-home father to Helen and Isaac, taking immense pride in supporting their growth, interests, and daily adventures. The children loved helping Ethan care for his many gardens- those at home, at the history center through the Master Gardeners program, and those that, with permission, gradually spilled over into the yards of family members.

Ethan was deeply involved in his community. He enjoyed sharing his expertise as a Master Gardener and his love of growing things-evident both in his gardens and in the decreased presence of garlic mustard along the bike path through Kutzky Park-with countless friends and neighbors. Ethan is also remembered as a quietly spiritual member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, where he and his family were active members. Ethan volunteered at the children's elementary school, Master Gardeners, and We Bike Rochester. There, Ethan was known for never leaving anyone behind on group rides and for his advocacy for safer, more accessible bicycle infrastructure throughout Rochester. By carefully analyzing downtown bike lane usage data, Ethan revealed that efforts to remove them were based on flawed calculations which ultimately proved crucial in saving the bike lanes. Ethan believed deeply in sustainability and stewardship of the Earth and lived those values every day. The sight of Ethan "bussing" the kids to and from school or activities on the back of his massive orange electric cargo bicycle was a familiar sight in the neighborhood and at community events.

A celebration of Ethan's life will be held 1:00pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Mt Olive Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN (2830 18th Ave NW, Rochester, MN 55901). Visitation will be from 11:00am to 1:00pm and a reception with refreshments to follow.
A committal service will be held at a later date in SD near his childhood home.

He was a loving husband and father and a kind, gentle soul to all who knew him; the impact Ethan had on his family, friends, and community is impossible to measure. We take comfort in knowing Ethan is "only in the next room"-still present in love and spirit, though no longer with us in this life. Until we are reunited with him in Heaven, he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Rest in peace, Ethan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ethan's memory to We Bike Rochester, Olmsted County Master Gardeners, or Mt Olive Lutheran Church Youth Programs.

Maxon Family Cremation & Life Celebrations is honored to be assisting the Swanson family. "Clarity & simplicity are kindness to a grieving family" ~ Maxon Family