Robert “Bob” Swanson

Robert "Papa Bob" Charles Swanson passed away on Thursday, April 14th, surrounded by his family. Robert was 78 years of age. His death was the result of complications associated with a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. Robert was born in Oriska, ND on September 17th 1932 to Carl and Leonora Swanson. Robert's family moved to Richmond, CA during World War II where his father worked in the Navy shipyards. After the war, the family moved to Sandstone, MN. At the age of 17, Robert began serving two years in the Army then returned to North Dakota where he worked as a farm laborer. It was during this time in 1955 that he met Sandra Anderson at a house party in Oriska. They gave each other the gift of their lives through marriage on October 18th 1957. After marrying, Bob worked as a driver for Sunde Trucking for 9 years hauling milk from farms to local dairies. He began working for Western Paper Company in Fargo in 1965 where he worked for over 30 years before retiring in 1997. Bob enjoyed his life and was particularly devoted to his family, grandkids, and great grandkids. He enjoyed motorized modeling and was a true craftsman. He shared this talent with his kids and grandkids throughout his life. He was also a faithful servant of God through his church, Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Moorhead for many years. Bob is survived by his wife Sandra; two brothers, Richard Bonnie and Rodney Joyce; a sister, Ruth Larson Jim; and his daughters Tamara Klocke Steve, Cheryl Swanson, and Donna Carlson Paul. He is also survived by grandchildren Steven Klocke Leah, Sarah Bruce Tom, Bryan Klocke, Matthew Klocke, Owen Carlson, Elsa Carlson, Anna Carlson; as well as three great-grandchildren, Nora Klocke, Hannah Klocke and Isabella "Izzie" Klocke. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Leonora Swanson, a sister Marilyn Burton John, an infant daughter Colleen in 1958 and a great-grandaughter Lilly in 2006.