Robert Clayton “Bob” Swanson

East Lansing, MI

At the age of 65, our beloved brother went to our Lord on December 29, 2017. Bob was born December 6, 1952, in Sturgis, MI, to the late John and Patricia Swanson.

He graduated from Waverly High School in 1971, where he was a National Honor Society member and a gifted athlete. He enjoyed playing cards with his mom, family, and cousins. He loved movies, the Bible, and the Lansing State Journal; these were big parts of his life. He also loved to ride the bus.

Bob is survived by his siblings, Dave (Bev) Swanson, Deb (Jerry) Wroblewski, John (Theresa) Swanson, Tom Swanson, and Bill (Nancy) Swanson; uncle, Jerry Parsons; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.

Bob’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Work of Christ Community for all they’ve done for Bob during his life, the staff at Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care, and to the staff at Medilodge of East Lansing.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Church of the Resurrection, 1505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. His family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Work of Christ Community (East Lansing) or Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care (Lansing). Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. www.EstesLeadley.com

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6 Messages to “Robert Clayton “Bob” Swanson”

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Margie Kirinovic

January 3, 2018 at 12:53 pm

I was sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He is at peace now, playing cards with Aunt Pat and mom. God bless!

Nancy Snell

January 4, 2018 at 8:03 am

I knew Bob in grade school, and then again as young adults through the Work of Christ Community. His persistent joy, love, and courage through life’s hardships have always been a witness to me. My condolences to his family and to all those who loved him. Rest In Peace, my brother.

Joseph Yarbrough

January 4, 2018 at 12:07 pm

When no one would have come back and done his work — Bob always came back. I was always impressed. Bob always had a laugh or could be made to laugh no matter what!

Debbie Putnam

January 7, 2018 at 4:43 am

I was so saddened to hear that Bob had died. He has been such a fixture in the life of the Work of Christ over the years and will definitely be missed. He brought much joy to us and especially taught all who knew him that love of Jesus and love of others was most important in life. How patient Bob was with all of us when we could not understand him and how happy we are that he is now running, jumping, and leaping for joy in God’s eternal kingdom! We love you, Bob!

Ann Ferrin

January 7, 2018 at 2:22 pm

I am a much better person for knowing Bob Swanson. During the many years of working together at Waverly Community Schools he constantly amazed me. Bob was the best at organizing the Business Office records and microfilming them. He also wore out countless paper shredding machines! He never allowed his physical disabilities to slow him down or prevent him from coming to work. Bob definitely had the best attendance record of all the employees, ever! People often seen Bob walking from the bus stop (near Waverly and St. Joe) to the Administration Building and would offer him a ride. Some of those folks stopped by years later to inquire about him. Now I have retired from Waverly and have a part-time job that requires me to work Saturdays so I am sorry I will miss his memorial. However, I’ll always remember him. Sometimes when I wonder how I’m going to accomplish a task, I think back on how Bob would persevere and that gets me motivated. Thanks Bob!

Kristine Rhoads Maier

February 15, 2018 at 4:53 pm

Bob was special to me as he was my first “boyfriend” at North Elementary where he would push me on the swings. We reconnected as friends when he came to Waverly High School. He would always hug me when he saw me at IHM church. He will always be a sweet memory for me. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.