Robert H. Swearingen, 73, went home to his Lord on January 30, 2013 after battling cancer.
He was born June 26, 1939 to Gilbert and Ester (Wagner) Swearingen in Brainerd, MN.
Robert was a graduate of the Class of ’58 from Washington Senior High, Brainerd, MN. He served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Ranger as a member of the aircraft crew and mechanic. He served during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He worked 20 years at Menasha Corrugated in Brooklyn Park, MN and 15 years for Potlatch paper mill in Brainerd. He also worked at Ryden’s Border Store in Grand Portage and managed Grand Portage High Falls for a short time. He also did some logging.
He married Jeannine (Potvin) Swearingen in 1963 and from this union he has three children, Paul (Terese) Swearingen of Buffalo, MN, Kathi (Rusty) Johnson of Hovland and Shawn (Kelly) Swearingen of Grand Marais; four grandsons, CoLee, Skyler, and Clay Johnson of Hovland and Connor Ingram of Grand Marais; four granddaughters, Jolee Marquett (Craig), Randee and Lacy Swearingen and Nicole Berthiaume; and three great-grandchildren, Natalee Marquett and Alie and Ona Berthiaume.
He is also survived by one sister, Darleen Dalton and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and three brothers.
Robert’s favorite thing was reading and he was very knowledgeable. In his early years he loved fishing and hunting.
He will be missed by his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hovland on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A light meal and fellowship to follow downstairs.
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