Michael and Gail Swor were married more than 50 years. Michael died in 2024.
Michael and Gail Swor were married more than 50 years. Michael died in 2024.
VIRGINIA—Stephanie Swor wrote in an email about her parents, Michael, a Virginia native, and Gail Swor, “Upon reflection of their lives and experiences, education always played a critical role. They both worked hard to acquire degrees and achieved multiple opportunities to pursue their dreams. My parents have always assisted others who were driven to achieve. Recognizing that not all students have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, Mike and Gail have always assisted others who were driven to achieve. This scholarship, created after my father’s death, is a tribute to his roots and enables opportunities for young people to succeed.”
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Stephanie Swor explains the scholarship
The Mike and Gail Swor Scholarship Fund was finalized earlier this year and will be available in Spring 2026. The scholarship will be granted annually to a single high school senior graduating from Rock Ridge High School with a minimum 2.0 GPA who exhibits ambition, vivacious spirit and a “let’s do it” fervor. Upon graduation, the applicant must be enrolled in technical or other advanced education to pursue a particular field. They must be active in the community and treat others with respect regardless of race, religion or socioeconomic status.
Mike and Gail were married 50-plus years. Mike was raised as an active outdoorsman, enjoying football, fishing, Boy Scouts and hunting. He graduated from Virginia High School and attended Hamline University in St. Paul, working in parallel. Upon graduation, Mike was an insurance adjuster while attending evening classes at William Mitchell College of Law. The hours were long, but he was focused and determined to apply himself and succeed. Upon graduation from law school, Mike joined a firm in St. Paul specializing in personal injury. He and Paul Gatto later formed their own law firm, Swor and Gatto, PA and practiced together for over 40 years.
Gail is from St. Paul and met Mike at Hamline. After graduation, she taught elementary school in the Twin Cities for 15 years before going back to university. With a Doctorate in Educational Administration, Gail then worked as an elementary school principal for 27 years. Together they raised two daughters, one of whom is married with children of her own.
When not enjoying time on Lake Vermilion, Mike and Gail were avid travelers together and with friends. Mike was a terrific planner, always arranging active adventures skiing, hunting, fishing or golfing. Exploration always piqued their interest, and Mike thrived in the storytelling of his adventures. His humor and embellishment of experiences provided entertainment for years.
Later in life, Mike was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Upon retiring from law, he and Gail moved to Florida where he stayed active playing golf and exercising year-round. Mike had Parkinson’s Disease for 15 years, and Lewy Body Dementia his final 9 months. He died peacefully on February 22, 2024.
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Michael Swor’s Obituary
With gratefulness for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of Michael David Swor, of St. Paul, Minn., and Naples, Fla., on February 22, 2024.
Mike was born in Duluth on March 3, 1949. He graduated from Virginia High School on the Iron Range, received his B.A. from Hamline University and J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. Mike enjoyed a rewarding career practicing law in the state of MN alongside his business partner for over 40 years. A magnificent traveler and adventurer, Mike lived his life with “let’s do it” enthusiasm and relished the storytelling of his experiences. He was funny with a sense of humor that kept you on your toes. He was a man of humility who never forgot where he came from. He was equally authentic and personable with attendants and his industry peers. Mike was always the best dressed, donning color and style as an extension of his gregarious personality. He was extremely generous and kind. He loved ice cream.
Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gail Swor; daughters, Stephanie Swor of Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Meghan (Waheed Oyelakin) Swor of Maputo, Mozambique; beloved granddaughters, Fadilah and Ife Oyelakin. Mike is also survived by sisters, Cynthia Mariel and Carole Swor, as well as many treasured friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Vida Swor.
In the spirit of Mike’s zest for life, plan a trip, play the back 9, invest in education, and make a difference.
Memorial donations in Mike’s honor are welcome to: Virginia Community Foundation for post-secondary school scholarships; 303 Chestnut St., Virginia, MN 55792. Please include Mike’s name in the memo line.
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Virginia Community Foundation and the scholarship
Maija Biondich, executive director of the Virginia Community Foundation, said in an email, “The ability to facilitate this has been wonderful, as we now have Community Giving to assist with any questions that may arise. The Swor family approached the Foundation, wanting to do this in memory of Michael. He grew up in Virginia, graduated and never forgot his roots. His daughter and I had many wonderful conversations about her father. As things moved forward, I asked if Gail might want to also have her name included, to which the family agreed. The Foundation has and will continue to accept donations in memory of Mike, which allowed the Michael and Gail Swor Scholarship Fund to be created.”
Leah Ryan, board chair of the Virginia Community Foundation, said in an email on Thursday, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the youth of our community. We are grateful to the Michael and Gail Swor family for making this possible.”
Anyone interested in starting their own scholarship through the Virginia Community Foundation is welcome to reach out to the organization by calling 218-749-8239, visiting www.VirginaFoundation.com or stopping by their location at 521 Chestnut Street in the Northern State Bank loan department.
“We love working with community members to make their dreams come true,” said Biondich. “Scholarships are a wonderful way to connect with the youth of our community and affect them for years to come.”
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