Robert Lee Swanson

Robert L. Swanson, age 87 of Sanford, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Avielle Haven Assisted Living in Midland with his family by his side and his angel Kathryn guiding the way. The son of the late John and Hilda (Fostrom) Swanson was born on December 17, 1929 in Houghton Lake. He was the first graduating class of Houghton Lake High School in 1950. On June 27, 1952 Robert married the former Kathryn Sasse. She preceded him in death on August 3, 2006 after 54 years of marriage.

He worked in the oilfields throughout Michigan. He was a diesel mechanic and a heavy equipment operator at Saginaw Rock Product for over 27 years retiring in 1992. He enjoyed tractor shows, camping, engine shows, and Buckley. Throughout his lifetime, Robert built several homes in the area, all of which he lived in. Bob was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa with a good sense of humor. He was always ready to tell a joke. Bob had a special gift, he loved to talk to anyone entering his path. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his sons, Robert (Jane) Swanson of Midland, Steven (Carla) Swanson of Midland; daughter, Ruth (Steve) Weakman of Sanford; 8 grandchildren, Carrie Swanson, Holly Swanson, Tim (Rachel) Swanson, Nick (Melissa) Swanson, Maggie (Brandon) Page, Brandon (Tera) Weakman, Blake (Laura) Weakman, Bryce (Devon Camp) Weakman; great-grandchildren, Keagan, Braden, Gaven, Alexia, McCoy, Lydia, Kendyll and Eastyn; sister in law, Elaine Swanson of Cadillac; brother in law and friend, Jim Sasse; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Donald J. & Morris Swanson.

Funeral services for Robert will be conducted at 11:00 am, Monday, March 6, 2017 from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sanford. Pastor Samuel Reith will officiate with burial to follow in Jerome Township Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Sunday from 5 till 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. Memorials in Robert's name may be offered to St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Avielle Haven. Personal messages of condolence may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com. A very special thank you to the staff at Avielle for the wonderful care Bob was given.

Sunday, March 05, 2017
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Wilson MILLER Funeral Home
4210 N. Saginaw Rd
Midland, Michigan 48640

Monday, March 06, 2017
11:00 AM

St. Paul Lutheran Church
2045 N. Lynn St.
Sanford, Michigan 48657