Palm Desert, CA – Robert A. Swanson, age 68, longtime Palm Desert resident and former Ishpeming resident passed away on Wednesday. March 2, 2016 in Palm Desert, CA following a battle with mesothelioma.

Bob was born November 16, 1947 in Ishpeming the son of the late Wilbert and Bertha (Saari) Swanson. He was raised in Ishpeming and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School. Bob served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Bob spent his working career in California as a head foreman for Acco Engineered Systems which was a heating and ventilation company. While in California he truly loved the Pacific Ocean. In recent years he enjoyed summering back in the Upper Peninsula on the Dead River Basin along with time spent golfing at the Wawonowin Country Club. Bob was proud of his grandson Brayden and always kept up with his interests and activities. Bob was a true sports enthusiast.

Survivors include his son Shawn (Tammy) Swanson and their son Brayden all of Macomb, MI, his longtime girlfriend Marilyn Douglass of Palm Desert, CA; sister Sharon (Dean) Bocklund of Ishpeming, along with nieces and nephews - Chris (Christine) Swanson, Lori (Mike) Lancour, Ron (Terri) Niemi. He was preceded in death by his mother Bertha Eliassen, father Wilbert Swanson and brother Bruce Swanson.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am until 11:00am on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 11:000am on Wednesday with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

Bob's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .