Robert Duane 'Bob' Swenson

• 
• 

Swenson, Robert (Bob) Robert (Bob) Duane Swenson, of Maple Grove, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, September 10, 2018. He was 89 years old. Born on March 2, 1929, in Grasston, Minnesota, Bob grew up on a farm with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Living along Minnesota's Snake River as a child, Bob developed a lifelong love for fishing that took him to lakes, rivers, and oceans across the United States and Canada. His favorite place to fish was first and always the Snake River of his youth, where he returned nearly every year for the state's annual Fishing Opener. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II and the Korean War. Between his tours of service, Bob found his one true love his wife of 67 years, Jeanette (Slupski) Swenson. Bob and Jeanette met in Minneapolis in 1950, and quickly fell in love. They married in Thorp, Wisconsin, in September 1951. Bob and Jeanette moved to Belle Creek, where Bob managed a small creamery and was the youngest head butter-maker in Minnesota. There, they had their first child, Robert, Jr. Later, the family moved to St. Louis Park, where Bob began his nearly 25-year career with Crane Co. in sales and management. There, Bob and Jeanette had their second child, Marcia. Bob's position with Crane Co. eventually brought the family to Duluth, and then back to the Twin Cities. Bob later worked for ITT Grinnell in Seattle, Washington. Bob and Jeanette returned to Minnesota in 1986, settling in Shoreview, where Bob was briefly called out of retirement to serve as General Manager at SPS Commerce. Throughout his career, Bob took pride in his work, had a strong work ethic, and effortlessly established vast networks of trusted friends and colleagues. In retirement, Bob & Jeanette traveled the world, visiting numerous countries; embraced their roles as grandparents to their four grandchildren, and greatly enjoyed living so near to them; golfed often; and wintered annually in southern Texas. Bob instilled in all of his grandkids the skills and desire to fish, happily cheered them on in sports, and was a present and loving figure in all of their lives. Bob is survived by his wife, Jeanette, his children Bob (Patty) Swenson, Marcia (Dean) Kautz, his grandchildren Billy (Aria) Kautz, Jacob Kautz, Katie (Rob) Mark, and Matt Swenson, and his great-grandchildren Robby and Johnny Mark, and Rita Kautz, and his sister Joyce (Jim) Kraatz. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; and sister. Funeral services will be held 11:30 am , Friday, Sept. 14 at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave N (at Vicksburg Lane), with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. gearty-delmore.com 763-553-1411

Published on September 12, 2018