Alan John “AJ” Swartz, age 25, of Baraga, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2016, in Blaine, Minnesota, as a result of a traffic accident. He, along with other KBIC Beartown Firefighters, was on his way to bravely help fight the Box Canyon wildfire in Utah. AJ was born in Hancock on October 23, 1990, the son of Maureen Van Abel and David Alan “Lebs” Swartz. AJ attended school in L’Anse. He was a member of the KBIC Beartown Firefighters. AJ enjoyed anything outdoors, including fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and hunting. He loved working on anything mechanical, especially his four-wheeler.

AJ is survived by his loving family, mother, Maureen Van Abel; father, David Alan “Lebs” Swartz; sons, Alan J. Swartz Jr., Liam Swartz, and Anthony Swartz; stepchildren, Destin Gauthier and Aleeha Gauthier; girlfriend, Heather Gauthier; brothers, Kris Swartz, Kyle Swartz, David Swartz, and Cale Swartz; grandmother, Patricia Van Abel; grandfather, John Van Abel; nieces and nephews, Kyleigh Swartz, Payten Swartz, Deklin Swartz, and Kristian Swartz. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ellen Swartz and Wayne Swartz; his uncle, Scott Van Abel; and his aunt, Stephanie Swartz.