Lonnie James Swartz

Lonnie Swartz, 69, of Hermantown, MN, passed away on February 27, 2025, while doing one of his favorite things: fishing.

He was born in Hibbing, MN on June 18, 1955, to Raymond and Jane (Holets) Swartz.

Throughout his life, Lonnie enjoyed developing relationships with others through playing, coaching, officiating, and watching sports, as well as fishing and hunting. Lonnie had the ability to converse with anyone he crossed paths with; anywhere he went, he either encountered someone he knew, or he quickly made a new friend.

Organized sports were a big part of Lonnie’s life; he enjoyed the competition and camaraderie that came with being part of a team. In 1968 his family moved to Biwabik, where Lonnie began forming friendships by joining the town's Little League baseball team. Lonnie graduated from Biwabik High School as a baseball and basketball standout. Lonnie continued to play basketball collegiately; first at Mesabi Community College, and then at the University of Minnesota Duluth, from where he graduated.

Lonnie began his professional career in Virginia, MN. It was there that he met and developed a relationship with his wife of 43 years, Pam. He and Pam were married in 1982. In 1987 they moved to Hermantown, where they went on to raise three children together. Lonnie most loved Pam’s selflessness, tender heart, and loyalty.

Lonnie was a lifelong banker and often voiced great appreciation for his work friends and clients. Lonnie was also deeply grateful for his community. In addition to working full-time, Lonnie held many volunteer positions throughout his life, including serving on the Hermantown Little League, Alworth Scholarship Foundation, and Damiano Center boards. He dedicated countless hours to coaching hundreds of children, including his own, in youth baseball, basketball, softball, and football in the Duluth and Hermantown area.

As his children grew, Lonnie returned to his love of fishing for walleye and crappies, hunting grouse and deer, playing basketball with friends, and embracing the well-earned freedom of retirement.

As a dad, Lonnie was a calming presence and a trusted friend. He always had an ear to listen. He was equally engaged as a grandpa; playing on the floor alongside the grandchildren, who adored him. Lonnie held a special place in his heart for all the family pets.

Lonnie will be remembered as a man of strong faith, integrity, generosity, and lighthearted humor. He loved his family deeply and was very proud of his involvement in the community, including the relationships he built.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Jane (Holets) Swartz.

He is survived by his wife, Pam; children, Brandon (Amy), Kristin (Mike) Armstrong, and Michael (Morgan); grandchildren, Dawson (6), Liam (5), Kenna (4), and Libby (2); brothers, Ken, Mark, Warren (Jackie); and countless other loving relatives and friends.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Friday, March 7th at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St, Duluth. A Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd, Duluth, on Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 am, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to express sympathy to consider a donation to The Catch Your Moment Foundation. All funds donated will support efforts towards hosting a Lonnie Swartz Memorial Fishing Tournament on Island Lake in the summer of 2025. Please include your name and Lonnie's name in the memo line of your donation.

Checks can be made payable to: Catch Your Moment Foundation, 7282 Northeast Birch Isle Road, Duluth, Minnesota 55803.

Venmo or PayPal donations can be made to - @catchyourmoment