Rob Swanson, age 72, of Bonduel passed away unexpectedly when he accidentally drowned while doing what he loved …fishing. Robert Loren Swanson was born May 16, 1951, to the late Dr. Loren and Margaret (Stone) Swanson. Rob was the favorite, and only, brother of his two older sisters, Mary Jo and Martha. Ever the diplomat, he managed to let each one think she was HIS favorite!

Rob was a lifelong active member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church, serving in many ways, including Elder, Bible Studies, and as head of the Cemetery Committee. His strong quiet Christian faith was evident to all who knew him.

At Bonduel High School, he was a good student and an outstanding athlete, particularly in basketball and baseball. He participated in many activities and was elected Senior Class President.   He earned a BS Degree in History from UW-Stevens Point, where he was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.

After graduating, he was employed by Wisconsin AgSource Laboratories, where he became the Lab Manager.

Rob was a true outdoorsman, he loved fishing, hunting, gardening, maple syrup production, cross country skiing, and more. He shared many of these interests with his dad.  Rob’s passion for professional sports began in childhood with his enthusiasm for baseball cards and his one-handed catch of Hank Aaron’s foul ball when he was ten!  With his dad and sister Martha, he survived the 13 Below Packers vs. Cowboys Ice Bowl of 1967.

Rob married Gloria (Hilliker) Stern on May 18, 2002; she shared his interest in outdoor activities. Her daughter Bonnie and granddaughter Bella joined in gardening projects.  Gloria preceded Rob in death on January 9, 2018.

Rob’s favorite getaway was his “hunting shack” in Marinette County. He loved to catch, and release, trout on the Peshtigo River.

Rob is survived by his sisters Mary Jo (Phil) Olson and Martha Swanson, his AFS sister Solvor Kolsrud, of Norway, his stepdaughter Bonnie Rossi and granddaughter Bella Rossi. He was a favorite uncle to Rebecca (David) Stockwell, Anne (Jason) Napieralski, Alan (Crystal) Scheer, and Rachel (Dave) Setzke; also, Great-uncle to Noah, Elliot, Max, Oscar, Sawyer, Lilianna and Aidan.  He is further survived by cousins and many friends.

A funeral service for Rob will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bonduel. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Trout Unlimited, or a charity of your choice.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting Rob’s family with the arrangements.