Robert Duane Swanson

Born in Algona, IA., May 6, 1939, to Gertrude and Martin Swanson. His father passed away from a tragic accident when Robert was 7 years old and he, his mother and two siblings worked hard to create a thriving small family unit. Robert was very athletic as a young man and played on the high school football team when he was in 8th grade as the coach mistaken him for a high school student! Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a Rifleman and served to protect his nation, receiving a Good Conduct Medal. After his time in the Marine Corps, he returned to Omaha and began his career at an insurance company followed by a long career in sales. Robert could sell anything to anyone and everything to everyone. He sold Speed Queen washers and dryers, pianos and organs, caskets and finally residential furniture. Robert was an active member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Grove City and in his earlier years, Masons Grove City Lodge 639.

Robert married Patricia Gorman from Blackduck, MN in 1961 and had two children. After several early marriage moves, they landed in OH and they lived in Grove City until she passed. His hobbies included stain glass window making, wood working, hunting with his pals, supporting his five grandsons, and tinkering with old clocks. He loved helping others with projects and always believed a little more muscle would ensure everything fit together, even when it shouldn't. After Patricia's death, Robert was blessed to find a second love of his life and married Bonnie Cox in 2007 who was by his side until his death.

In October, 2020, Robert experienced a highlight of his life by joining fellow veterans on the Honor Flight whose mission is to honor America's veterans with a trip to Washington DC to visit service and war memorials.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Grove City Senior Living by Traditions for the exceptional care provided every day, with respect and love.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude E. Swanson and Martin B. Swanson, wife Patricia Blanch Swanson, brother James Swanson, sister Joan Jacobsen and brother-in-law Donald Jacobsen. Robert is survived by his son Martin Swanson (Beth), daughter Cynthia Rhomberg (Peter), wife Bonnie Swanson, stepdaughter Julie Cubbison (Bill), stepson Mark Remy (Sarah); grandchildren Parker Rhomberg (Ellen), Patrick Rhomberg (Suzy), Matthew Rhomberg, Benjamin Swanson, Samuel Swanson; one great grandchild Peyton Rhomberg, Bonnie's grandchildren; Matthew Cubbison, Nicholas Cubbison, Ellie Cubbison, Emma Cubbison, Beatrice Remy, Henry Remy; brothers-in-law Don Forquer and Robert Forquer (Deborah); sister-in-law Carol Swanson; nieces Susan Moffitt (Kevin) and Kristin Light (Steven); nephews Ronald Jacobsen (Julie) and David Swanson (Stephanie).

The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 9th 11am at St. John's Lutheran Church, Columbus Street, Grove City, OH. Visitation hours will be held Sunday, October 8th from 2pm-4pm at Schoedinger Funeral Home, Hoover Road, Grove City, OH and Monday, October 9th from 10am-11am at St. John's Lutheran Church prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the St. John's Lutheran Church Accessibility Project at https://www.stjohnsgc.org/.

Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.