Robert E. Swanson passed away in the early morning hours of May 25, 2017 in Billings, Montana with his wife by his side.
Bob was born in McIntosh, South Dakota on December 11, 1934 to Swan and Mary Swanson, the second of three boys. The family moved to Marmarth, ND in 1936 and he attended school there through the 11th grade. He graduated from CCHS in Miles City, MT in 1952. After graduation, he served in the Navy from 1952 to 1955. He began working for the MDT in 1956, retiring in 2005. He married Janice Bertz on August 31, 1957 in Marmarth, ND. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this coming August. They have two children, Rocky and Sherri. Upon retirement, they bought a cabin on Rock Creek at Fort Peck, their lifetime dream. Bob spent every summer there from April until October.
Bob loved to fish his whole life and spent many hours doing so with his son and grandchildren. He never missed a sporting event or any opportunity to be with his family. He was a man of few words but had a heart of gold and quietly did many kind things for those he loved.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Clarence and Richard. He is survived by his wife Janice, his son Rocky, daughter Sherri, grandchildren Josh, Sage and Shawnee, great grandson Cayden James, his favorite dog Sam and a very special friend Terry Sgrignolli who added a lot of quality and true friendship to his later years.
At Bob’s request, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Bob would have wanted everyone to dress casual. Burial will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. A luncheon will follow at the Parlor. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wake Up and Lace Up.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 30, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Tuesday May 30, 2017
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jim & Cathy Bastian says
Dear Janice, Rocky, Sherri, and family,
We are so sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through these difficult days. May the Lord hold you close and give you strength and peace. Love Jim & Cathy
Shannon Holmen says
So so sorry for the lost of this gentle soul. Here’s to good memories. He was a good neighbor to my dad. My prayers.
Raylynn Sleight says
Sending peace and comfort as your mourn his loss.
Linda Walker says
Swanson family. Sorry to read about Bob. Thinking of you.
Eric Rentschler says
Sorry to hear about your loss. You know where we are if you need anything.
Dorothy Schwartzenberger says
To my cousin family, I so sorry for your loss Bob. You be in my thoughts and my prayers . I love all of you. I remember all the family times that we had together and Janice and Bob took care of me when was little girl . my mom told me that I used dance around to uncle Bob and got a candy bar. Bob is a angle in heaven and he fishing with my dad. Thank you taking care of me. Love you
Matha Nottveit says
I am so sorry for loss Bob. Bob and my husband went a lot of fishing trips. Bob is very kind hearted man. You all in my thoughts and in my prayers and I love you all.
The Bellomy's says
Very sorry to hear of Bobs passing! Condolences toyouJ you Janice and your family
Joe and Cathi Peila says
We are so sorry for your loss. He fought the good fight, quietly and with courage.
Barbara Foote says
Janice, Rocky and Sherri,
I am so very sad to hear about Bob. He was
a great man. Though he was quiet, his kind
and gentle spirit spoke volumes. He taught
me how to wink ?. I can still see the twinkle
in his eyes! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I love you ❤️❤️❤️
tammy & john schoenbeck says
so sorry to hear about Bob, he was a great guy, worked road construction with him & he taught me alot about being a flagger, may you rest in peace at a big lake in the sky
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
Thinking of you all. God bless ya
Shannon Voigt Horn says
Auntie Jan,
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Bob. I so wish I could come and give you a great big hug.i won’t be there in person but in spirit with you. I will be thinking about you. I love you and miss you.
Rocky, Sherri and families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this sad time of losing your father, grandpa and great grandpa. I’ll be thinking of you and wishing I could be there.
Shannon Voigt Horn says
Auntie Jan,
I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Bob. I so wish I could come and give you a great big hug. I won’t be there in person but in spirit with you. I will be thinking about you. I love you and miss you.
Rocky, Sherri and families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this sad time of losing your father, grandpa and great grandpa. I’ll be thinking of you and wishing I could be there.
Mary Townsend says
Swanson family – I am sorry for your loss. I wish you all peace of mind in the grief ahead. You will all remain in my prayers. Mary
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Swanson family – sorry for the loss of your husband and dad. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne & Augustine Irion says
Janice and Family. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you all are very close in our thoughts and prayers.
jackie dassinger says
To all of Melissa’s family: Reading her name in the paper this morning sent my heart to my knees. The first time I saw her she was very young and coming to Sunday Mass. She was doing my hair when we left Forsyth and I was always pleased with her work. I got to know Preston a little bit and I always called him “Mr. Personality”. (Mike thought I was talking about him). He was mesmerized when he came to the Shrine to hear the big band. Karla–my precious friend, I still miss our lunches. A big hug is waiting for you. I can relate to your loss as I lost my son, David, when he was 4. The last time I saw Melissa was here in Billings and she came over and greeted me with a hug. Thinking of you all with a heavy heart. Jackie Dassinger
Barbara Carranza says
Janice, Rocky &Sherri: So sorry to hear about your loss. Janice, I so remember Bob as well Rocky & Sherri as we were neighbors for many years. I live in Sun City, AZ and friend, Neva, who now lives in Laurel, MT was telling me today of Bob’s passing… I know u will miss him, my thoughts and prayers will be with all of u during this time of remembering and grief..Please know,. there is no doubt, Bob is with God and has found peace. May U all be at Peace as well.