Robert Allen Swanson,

 

Robert Allen Swanson,

74, passed away suddenly on April 27, 2012 at his home in Fort Myers, Florida.

He was born May 21, 1937 in Kerkhoven, Minnesota and relocated to Cook County with his mother, Mildred, and three sisters, Mary, Marlys and Pat. E.R. “Mike” Croft married Millie in Grand Marais and together they raised the four Swanson children.

Bob graduated from Cook County High School in 1955 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly thereafter. He married one of his high school sweethearts, Arline Johnson of Hovland, and welcomed daughters Cindy and Sherrie into the world. After living in California for five years they returned to the Twin Cities where Bob continued working for Control Data.

Bob later met and married Jane Rooney of Park Rapids and together, they welcomed another daughter, Nicole, to the family. Bob, Jane and Nicole moved to Florida in 1989 and have made that their home ever since. Bob has been the owner and operator of Air Quality Services since 2003.

Bob loved life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating on the ocean on the Bobbin’ Jane V and visiting with friends and neighbors over a glass of wine. More than anything, Bob loved a good laugh. He passed along this great heartfelt chuckle to his daughter Sherrie, along with his Grandma Ruby’s nose. Cindy and Nicole were lucky enough to inherit his fabulous wavy hair and hazel eyes.

But most of all, Bob loved

Jane. They were best friends, soul mates and truly a perfect match.

He leaves behind his bride of 43 years, Jane; daughters, Cindy Hansen (Bill) of Tofte, Sherrie Swanson (Mike Coon) of Duluth and Nicole Swanson of Fort Myers; five wonderful grandchildren, Clare and Carl Hansen, Will and Anna Hutchinson and his favorite “little critter” Chase Swanson; his sisters, Mary Stuart, Marlys Michalowski and Pat Precord and their families.

A service was held on May 4 in Fort Myers, Florida and memorials are preferred to Hope Hospice of Lee County, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.

To quote Janie, “He was a good man.” He made friends easily everywhere he went; as a result, he had lots and lots. To say that he will be missed is an understatement; he really was a great guy. His absence will be noticed by many and felt by everyone who knew him.