Paul Edwin Swanson, age 78, of Manton, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on March 23, 2026.

He was born on September 16, 1947, in Cadillac, Michigan, to the late Harold and Idella (Seabolt) Swanson. Paul graduated from Manton High School in 1965.

Paul was a dedicated and hardworking man from a young age, holding a variety of jobs including running a paper route, working as a meat cutter at Shine's Supermarket, and later positions with Chris Craft and MDOT. Shortly after high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Army as a medic and was drafted to Vietnam. On leave after boot camp, he married the love of his life, Darlene Crouse, on July 29, 1967, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Just one week later, he shipped off to Vietnam. During his service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. After returning home from the war, he began his 30-year career with General Motors as a welder and automaker, retiring in 1998. Together, Paul and Darlene built a life centered on family, hard work, and simple joys.

He was an active member of several organizations, including the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Moose Lodge, and the Eagles. Paul enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, and gardening. He was an avid sports fan who especially loved watching college football and basketball, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and his beloved Spartans. He also found great joy in driving local backroads and spending peaceful time by the pond at their cabin in the woods.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene Swanson; his daughters, Amie (Bob) Pifer and Angie (Chad) Mortensen; his grandchildren, Joe (Megan) Pifer, Jake Pifer, Kylie Mortensen, and Ashlyn (Luke) Beard; and his great-grandchildren, Robert, Meredith, Lucy, and Hank Pifer. He is also survived by his siblings, Ron (Lola) Swanson, Karen Blakley, Greg Swanson, and Gary (Beckie) Swanson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Idella Swanson, and his in-laws, "Bud" and Marjean Crouse, Lavonne Crouse, Robert Blakely, and Doug Crouse.

Paul will be laid to rest at Liberty Township Cemetery in Manton, Michigan.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

The family would like to thank Munson Hospice Cadillac staff for their care and compassion over the past few months.

A memorial service will be held on April 11, 2026, at Rollins Church, 10975 E. M-42, Manton, MI. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the service at 11 a.m. Military honors will be presented, followed by a luncheon at the Fife Lake American Legion, 10283 M-186, Fife Lake, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Fife Lake American Legion Post 219.