Elias “Eli” Barr Swanson, of North Oaks (formerly of Arlington), went to his Heavenly home on April 11, 2021. He was only 19 years old. Eli will be remembered always by those who loved him.
A visitation and service were held on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (833 S. Marschall Road) in Shakopee. Pastor Emmanuel Roldan presided, and Eli’s siblings and brother-in-law, Joel, acted as pallbearers. A recording of the service is available at the following link: Eli Swanson Funeral Service. Cards and memorials can be shared with Eli’s family c/o Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation; 104 First Street West; Jordan, MN 55352.
On October 23, 2001, Elias Barr Swanson was born to parents, Holly & Wayne Swanson. His twin brother, Izak was just 45 minutes behind him. From birth, Eli and Izak had a special bond that only twins have. All of the older brothers and sisters were so thrilled to welcome Eli and Izak into the family. They showered the boys with lots of love and constant attention.
Eli was a beautiful baby. He was so cute and chubby. Eli had lots of rolls and beautiful curly hair. From the start, Eli was a bit stubborn, but he also had a tender sensitivity to him. He quickly discovered his place in the world and in his family.
As a young boy, Eli was obsessed with the Incredibles. He even gave himself the nickname “Dash” which stuck for several years. Eli enjoyed the weekly trips to visit Grandma Mamie. He and Izak spent countless hours playing in the backyard. On one of their visits, Mamie performed a secret bathtub baptism for the boys; Eli loved hearing her tell the story of this years later.
One of Eli’s favorite things was spending time at Red Robin Cabin. Eli and Izak loved the freedom that came with the cabin. They spent lots of time outdoors and in the lake. This was also the hot spot for lots of fun celebrations with extended family like, Christmas, Fourth of July and Eli & Izak’s Halloween themed birthday parties.
As Eli grew, he spent more time pursing his hobbies. In grade school, Eli played baseball and basketball. He later discovered his love of airsoft rifles, BMX biking, 4 wheeling and weightlifting. Eli also enjoyed music and liked creating his own beats. He had a special place in his heart for animals. Eli especially loved all the Westie puppies his family raised over the years. Eli enjoyed working in food service and continued this work after graduating from Mounds View High School in 2020.
Although Eli had many hobbies and interests, the most important thing in his life was his family. Eli loved his parents and siblings, but he was happiest spending time with his nephews and nieces. They brought such joy into Eli’s life, and he loved them dearly.
The last few years of his life, Eli faced several challenges and struggles with his mental health and addiction. Through it all, Eli’s family saw the good in him and supported him through every struggle in life. This was especially true for Izak who was always Eli’s best friend. The love Eli received from his brother was truly unconditional.
Eli’s life came to an end much too soon, but his family takes comfort knowing he is now at peace in the presence of the Lord. He will be remembered always for his sensitive heart. He was a true gift to his family.
He now lives on in the hearts of his parents, Rev. Wayne & Holly Barr Swanson; twin brother, Izak Swanson; siblings, Mikalynn (Joel) Hauer, Dylan (Brittany) Wojtowicz, Andrew (Renae) Swanson, Kaidra (Greg) Gruber, Evie (Emmanuel) Roldan, Linnea (Justin) Hill and Madison Wojtowicz; grandma, Violet Barr; nephews & nieces, Jacob, Charlie, Leo, Jack, Henry, Ellie, Gavin, Caden & Florence; other loving relatives and friends. Eli was greeted in Heaven by his grandparents, Vern & Mavis Swanson and Charles Barr.
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lizzy possehl
eli was an amazing kid and human. he never ever failed to leave a smile on everyone faces. i am forever grateful for eli. he will be so incredibly missed and loved unconditionally. sending love, hugs and prayers to the family.
Cindy Doerr
Holly, Wayne and Family
My deepest condolences on the passing of Eli. May God enfold you in his arms during the days, weeks, months ahead. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Wendy Rohwer
Wayne, Holly & family,
We extend our deepest condolences to you and your family in this time of grief. Please know we are thinking of you during this time. You’re family is in our hearts and prayers.
Tim & Wendy Rohwer, Mike and Haley
Pat and Larry Lamb
Your family is our prayers, may God be with your family in this difficult times.always thinking of your family.
The Battaforyen family
I’m so heartbroken … Eli, you left us so soon…. Rest In Peace brother…. my prayers for the family… pastor Wayne n Holly, my heartfelt condolences to you….
Siatta
My deepest condolences to you and the family pastor Wynn. My the peace of the lord whisper in your hearts as you go through this. Again my condolences to you all.
Dave Lenz
Holly, Wayne and family. My heart breaks for you all. May the lord watch over you and give you comfort.
Skyla S Willaert
My heartfelt prayers for your family!
John & Skyla Willaert
Matthew Nelson
Eli was always a kind soul. He always made people laugh and put smiles on their faces. Rest in Heaven Eli❤️ Sending prayers to the whole Swanson family
Karen Thompson Kinkel
Dear Wayne and Holly and family: My heart goes out to you- my prayers are with you. May Eli rest in the Loving arms of Our Lord and Savior ️
Heidi and James Otto
Our deepest condolences to you and your whole family. You will be in our prayers.
Geib family
Feeling sad you have to experience this heartbreak. Sending love and praying for grace and courage to get through this.
Howie Chatfield
Izak, Holly, Wayne and family:
Words cannot express how I feel. Eli was a favorite person. He treated everyone including myself with compassion plus respect. I looked forward to talking with Eli – at church or other events. I will always have fond memories of Eli – his helping me, lunch with Eli & Izak at Eli’s East restaurant, and his cell phone story.
Scott or Mary Woods
Holly, Wayne, Izak, Andrew, Linnaea, Kaidra, Madison, Dylan,Evie – We were stunned and so saddened to hear today from Daniel of your loss. Early this morning my deacons and ministry team at First Baptist of Bisbee Arizona committed to lift you up in prayer as you walk through this, awaiting that grand reunion day. Mary, Calvin and I will of course be asking the Lord that His mercies and grace would be poured out upon you all, and that your flock would be ministering to their shepherd. Jesus is near, my friends.
Scott , Mary and Calvin Woods
Scott or Mary Woods
Holly, Wayne, Izak, Andrew, Linnaea, Kaidra, Madison, Dylan,Evie – We were stunned and so saddened to hear today from Daniel of your loss. Early this morning my deacons and ministry team committed to lift you up in prayer as you walk through this, awaiting that grand reunion day. Mary, Calvin and I will of course be asking the Lord that His mercies and grace would be poured out upon you all, and that your flock would be ministering to their shepherd. Jesus is near, my friends.
Scott , Mary and Calvin Woods
Eva Phelps
Wayne ,Holly ,and the family I am so sorry! My heart is breaking . I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy.
Karen Thompson Kinkel
Dear Wayne and Holly and family,
Please know my prayers are with you all. In Christian love, Karen
Angie Briest/Orvick
Dear Friends, I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you. I am weeping with you. You are dear to the Father. He is holding you each as you need to be held. He knows! I love you!
Shucayb Ali
One of the most kind hearted and funny friends I’ve ever had Eli was a true friend to me and I will never forget the impact he had on others lives and feelings he is truly missed and I wish I could see em one last time sending prayers to the Swanson family.
Carol Hacker
My sincere condolences to your family. God bless you.
Steve & Bonnie Schmitz
Pastor Wayne , Holly & Family Our Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to all of you at this very difficult time. You are all in our Prayers & Thought’s.
Dave and Therese Ott
Our hearts are hurting for your entire family. May your strong faith ease your pain.
Lauren
I drove Eli to school at MV a lot because he was best friends with my brother, Dylan. I also worked with him for some time at subway. Eli could light up any room he stepped foot in. He was always so kind to everyone, and he was so funny. He made those much dreaded shifts at subway bearable. He will be missed by everyone, and he was so loved!
Rhonda Jean Matz
I am so saddened for your family, My prayers are with you for God’s strength to guide you through this devastating time.
Sammy Nelson
Holly, Wayne, Izak, and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you feel surrounded by love.
Sammy & Chad Nelson
Frank & blackie
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Our prayers go out to you.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Curt and Pam, and all
Our hearts are broken…our tears are flowing. Such sweet twins born here in Arlington! Elias and Issak were a huge part of our walk with the lord, so many beautiful memories! My favorite is when they were about 6 months old and you would say “PRAISE THE LORD!”, and those sweet babies would raise their arms up to the heavens, smiling. Issak, Elias has gone ahead of you… he will “PRAISE THE LORD” face to face until we are all joined again… we love you all so much! May you feel the love in the prayers being sent to you and all your family….
Duane Sarazin
Heartfelt love and prayers. Duane and Linda Sarazin
Jackie Savage
Holly, Wayne and Family,
My heartfelt condolences to your family. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength.
Carla & Jeff Mihm
Dear Holly, Wayne & family: We are at a loss for words to express how sorry we are for the loss of Eli! Please know you are all in our thoughts & prayers. May God surround you with His everlasting love, strength, peace & comfort. ❤️
Dyke family
Condolences to Eli’s family. We loved seeing his smiling face with Dylan, at Walgreens, Subway, at Mounds view high school in the hallways and in the neighborhood. He will be missed.
Gillian
I will always remember Eli for the bubbly kid he was (with Izak) on my bus route, and for the conversations we had years ago goofing around at Mounds View. He had a kind heart and a lot of light to share. While we lived separate lives, I am grateful for the times our paths crossed– Rest In Peace, Eli.
Janet Machlitt
I too have lost a son to addiction 10 yrs ago!! I feel your grief and pain in your loss! He too was a loving person and had so many great qualities . I have attended services at your church Paster Wayne and spoke to you a few times in regards to your son Eli and your struggles in which we had in common. Dan Steiskal gave me the invitation to your church. May God hold you and Holly know n his arms during this difficult time and the times ahead of missing him. Eli.
Pratibha Khatiwoda
Eli was one of the first people I met when I moved to the district in middle school and he made me feel so welcome. He was so incredibly sweet and always made me laugh, I can still hear him greeting me in the hallways at school every time I saw him. Sending lots of love and support to your family, I am incredibly sorry for your loss . Eli was a treasure and will be greatly missed.
Mia Beuning
I have so many fond memories of Eli throughout middle school and high school. He was so sweet, kind, funny and always smiling. He will be very missed. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his entire family.
Gayle Zook
My deepest condolences to your entire family on the untimely dealth of Eli. He had a mischevious smile and I enjoyed many conversations with him as he hid out in the blue room in the church basement. He was so proud of the fact that he beat Izak into this world and now he will be forever missed. May your memories of Eli comfort you in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Gone too soon. We will all miss him!
Nikki Stock
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss and my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you peace and comfort in the beautiful memories you have of Eli.
Mary Kallhoff
I am so sorry to hear of Eli’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce & Mary Kallhoff
Susan & Guy-Steevy
I’m so very sorry to hear the news of Eli’s passing. I have fond memories of Eli & Izak when I came to visit Evie in 2013. I remember they had some trouble understanding my Scottish accent at first!
Truly saddened by the news. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God be your comfort & refuge at this difficult time.
Tom Wind
Wayne I am so sorry to hear about your son. God bless you and your family during this trial! I know you have great faith that will help you through this! Prayers go out to you and family!
Alan Bolte
Dear Wayne, Holly and Family, Cindy and I extend our deepest sympathy to your family for the loss of your son. May God’s strength sustain you all through these difficult days! Love in Christ.
Eli Kuphal
I really enjoyed the time that I got to spend with Eli when he was younger. I know that he was truly loved and will be missed. I’m glad that he knew Jesus and that you can all rest in his hands and comfort. Praying for you all at this difficult time!
margaret susann haugan
So sorry for your loss. May God grant you all comfort during this time of great sadness. Kevin and Peggy Haugan
Yesenia Anton
Eli was such a sweet and caring boy. He never failed to put a smile on anyone’s face. He was always so funny and smart. I remember middle school math class with him. I was always excited to go to math class to see him. Eli and I continued to talk throughout all of high school and he knew I cared for him very much and that I was always there for him- as he was always there for me and all of his other friends. He was a big teddy bear no matter what:). Eli will always have a place in my heart. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Swanson family. Rest in paradise Eli.
Peter and Ann Koch
May God hold you and your family in his arms as you go through this time.
We will be praying for you.
Sandy Grimm
Pastor Wayne, Holly and Family, What a nice looking young man Eli was. My prayer group and I are praying GODS SUPERNATURAL COMFORT over your family. Loosing a child has to be the most difficult pain to carry. I pray that GOD will bless each of you with what HE knows you are needing. God Bless your family
Karen Franklin Edwards
Wayne and Holly,
My heart aches for your family and the pain you must be going through. I will pray for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Will Sacay
Eli was someone that helped me through the hardships of freshman year. We talked about things we loved like Airsoft and music. I miss when we would go play Airsoft at the cabin. He was such a awesome person and great friend. The best thing I can say about Eli is he would always check up on me to see if I was okay, he truly cared. Eli was someone that had your back you ,that’s special in this day and age.
I love you Eli
Shirley and Duane Weckwerth
You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son.
Audrey Wojtowicz
My heart goes out to you all. I’m just so sad for you. Love and prayers to the family. You’re always in my thoughts and in my heart.❤️
LuVern M Wicklander
Wayne, I am saddened by the news of the loss of your son, please know that the Wicklander Family will have you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Randy Koppen
Wayne and Holly-
Wayne, I remember you showing pictures of Eli and Izak in their crib and you sharing the different aspects of their personalities, even way back then. I thank God for the joy Eli has brought to you and to so many others. Sandy and I are praying for you and your family.
Dan Doughty
So very, very sorry. Praying for you these days. Love you!
Ann Mailand
Holly, Wayne and the entire family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom and Deanna Boris
Deepest sympathy to you both and also Eli’s brothers and sisters at this heartbreaking time. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Dave Comstock
Wayne, Holly and family,
You don’t know me but I am the Interim Pastor at MInnetonka UMC. I am also the father of twin boys (men) I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your grief or especially Izak’s grief. Know that this father twins will be holding you all in my heart and in my prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Blessings.
Dave Comstock.
Art and Sherry Miller
Wayne, Holly and family,
Our love and prayers are for you; and a reminder of the assurance that God will carry you in this difficult time of sorrow. So sorry for your great loss.
Art & Sherry
Steve and Rose Larsen
Wayne and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God’s peace and love surround you and bring you comfort.
Dale Tingelstad
Wayne, our sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your son. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you work through this tough time.
Marilee Elsholtz
Holly..I have no words other than I am heartbroken for all of you..If there can be any comfort and peace in this loss, just know that Jesus is with you….Isaiah 41:13
Rod Stemme
Your entire family is upheld in my prayers. May God grant you all peace and comfort in these days. Special prayers for the dear twin Izak who I am sure feels deeply at this loss of Eli.
Cheryl Skluzacek
So sorry and know I am praying for your family and especially Izak. No family should lose someone so young.
Jim and Regi Ploeger
Wayne, Holly and family, What a beautiful service remembering someone so special to so many. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you be comforted by God’s love.
Ben Holten
Wayne, Holly and family,
Your family has been in my thoughts often during these last days. I am praying for you all. I have so many fond memories of Eli as a young student at ILS. He truly had such a loving heart for others. I also know that Eli loves his Savior very much. And, Jesus loves him. I hope you can, someday, take comfort in knowing that the Lord’s victory over death is also Eli’s victory. May He surround you with His loving arms and give you the peace that no one can understand. I look forward to seeing Eli again and having a great reunion will all those loved ones that the Lord calls His own. I pray for healing for your wonderful family.
Marlys schauer
Prayers and sympathy to the family. Matthew care about Eli a lot. Too they couldn’t talked to each Matthew would of help him that who Matthew is. Eli was very friendly
Kathy Schuler
Cousin Wayne. I am so, so sorry for you and the family upon this deep loss! ( I also had not known that your mom had passed away. May faith, family, and friends sustain you…
Marva Jean Hutchens
Wayne and family, prayers are with you as you walk through this valley of the shadow of death. May your hearts be opened to discover the goodness and mercy that will surely follow (and lead) you in the days of your lives.
Don Malinsky
God’s peace be with you all.
He IS Risen.
Fred and Barb Severni
Pastor Wayne, Holly and family,
We are so heartbroken to hear of Eli’s passing. Pease accept our sincere sympathy and prayers of comfort for you and your family. May God Bless You and give you strength through this difficult time.
Sincerely, Fred and Barb Severni – Fridley United Methodist Church
Kevin Dunn
Wayne, Holly and family. Our prayers are with you on hearing news of the loss of your son Eli. We cherish the memories we shared as a gateways group when the boys were younger at your “Red Robin Cabin”. Our hope is in Jesus who has the last word over death. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Kevin and Barb Dunn
Markus Bieber
So very sad for your loss. I remember all those years where Eli and Izak would get together with our boys and have fun.
Jim Bloom
Wayne, you may not know me but I play senior softball ‘C’ league in Roseville and saw the notice of your families loss of your son Eli. Izak, my special condolence to you as I am also a twin and know the special bond that you had with Eli. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family, Wayne, during this difficult time. Our family lost our 22 year grandson Austin about a year ago. He also battled addiction. Eli is with the Lord now and his pain no longer remains. I am so sorry! God has this and will get you through. Jim Bloom
Amy and Paige Levander
Dear Holly, Wayne and family, we’re praying for the strength of love from family and friends to give you peace and comfort as you heal from the loss of Eli. We’re both so very sorry this has happened.
RaNae Drexler
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time…may God fold his arms around you and comfort you.
Tom Filipek
Wayne, our sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your son. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you work through this tough time.
Marge Erickson
Pastor Wayne and Holly, my heart is heavy as I think of the loss of your precious Eli. Your scripture, message and music today were a much needed and welcomed reminder of God’s love for everyone of us. You’re all in my prayers daily.
Norman Setnicker
Pastor Wayne, my softball friend and Holly please accept my condolences for the loss of your son Eli. What a good looking man to have lost his life at such a young age. It is truly tough to see your son pass before his parents no matter what the circumstances. Parents’ love is everlasting and the memories never forgotten. My prayers go to your entire family.
Katie Schneider-Bryan
Wayne, Holly and family,
I am so very sad to hear about Eli’s death, and the enormous hole his death leaves in your lives. I know that God has received him as the precious child he is, and God will work in your lives to give you strength and courage in the days to come.
You are in my prayers.
Rick Ormsbyy
Wayne, I’m so sorry that you have another very sad loss in your life. Just to let you know I’m thinking of you and will keep you and your family in my prayer life for several weeks.
Patricia Moberg
Wayne, Holly and family,
My heart hurts for all of you as you have lost your precious son! The Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you and grant you peace!
In Jesus name. Amen.
Patricia Keech Moberg