Bonnie Swanson Memorial Service

July 26, 2025 at 11:00 am

October 10, 1941 – May 18, 2025

Bonnie Jean Swanson, 83, of Grand Marais, Minnesota, died peacefully on May 18, 2025, surrounded by family.

She was born in Minneapolis to Anthony and Ruth Stimmler and grew up alongside her siblings Janet, Karen, Richard, and Gerald. Following her father’s early death, Bonnie’s childhood was marked by resourcefulness and close family ties. At age 15 she met her future husband, Richard “Dick” Swanson, while working at the Cinerama Theater. They married in 1962 and shared 60 years together until his passing in 2023.

In 1972, Bonnie urged Dick to leave his secure job and move their family to the woods of northern Minnesota to build a cabin by hand—far from roads, running water, or electricity. It was the beginning of many adventures.

Bonnie was a talented cook and entrepreneur. Her passion for food led her to open two restaurants: Pierre’s Pizza in Grand Marais and A Little Lunch in Stillwater. She studied at La Varenne cooking school in Paris and later authored the Naniboujou Cookbook during her time as chef at the historic Naniboujou Lodge.

She is survived by her children Brian (Andreea) Swanson and Lynn (Timothy) Scannell; grandchildren Kieran, Lars, and Mara; siblings Karen Bjorkman, Richard (Priscilla) Stimmler, and Gerald (Paula) Stimmler; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Swanson; her parents; and her sister, Janet.

A memorial service will be held on the morning of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Donations may be made to the church or to the food shelf in her memory, and please enjoy a meal at your favorite restaurant in her honor.