Steven D. Swanson, age 59 a lifelong resident of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born January 31, 1952 in Big Rapids, the son of Stanley and Georgia (VanAlstine) Swanson. Steve took pleasure in the simple life. He enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, gardening and mowing the lawn. Steve lived for his family and the time he spent with them. He loved his family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and he will be missed greatly. Steve is survived by 5 children, Jeff (Tammy) Swanson of Big Rapids, Renee (Tim) Cook of Big Rapids, Kevin Swanson of Big Rapids, Maryann (Steve) Williams of Howard City, Julie Swanson of Big Rapids and their mother, Nancy Holdsworth; 8 grandchildren, Madelyn and Hayden Cook, Nolan and Morgan Williams, Chase (Artabelle), Aric, Shannon and Cody Roach; 3 great-grandchildren, RylieAnne, Dominic and Leeana; his father, Stanley Swanson and step-mother, Dee of Traverse City; a brother, Roger Swanson of Big Rapids; 2 sisters, Susan (Dan) Bopry of Traverse City and Marsha (Kevin) Schultz of Kalkaska; many nieces and nephews; a special friends, Shawn Cotterman, William Holdsworth and brother-in-law Brian VanAlstine; many family and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his mother. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Lyle Ball officiating. The family will greet friends 2 hours prior, 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Hungerford Cemetery in Norwich Township. Memorial contributions may be made in Steve's name to the Commission on Aging for transportation.