Robert J Swenson

Robert J. Swenson, 91, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2012, in peace at his home in Denver, Colorado in the care of his loving wife, Vi Swenson. Nearing his 92nd birthday, Bob lived fully to his last days.
Born on January 16, 1920, in Birmingham, Alabama to Robert J. Swenson, Sr. and Caroline Norman Swenson, Bob was the oldest of his four siblings, Russell, Pat, Paul and Randy. The Swenson Family moved from Alabama to Illinois where Bob graduated from Sandwich High School in 1938. He then attended Monmouth College and obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree. Upon graduation he moved west to Denver where he was employed by Ideal Cement Company and worked his way up from general accountant to Treasurer of the company and retired after 40 years of service. Bob was respected and well-known in the cement and banking industry. Upon retirement in 1984 he devoted his time to family, church, choir, and beekeeping. Bob enjoyed his Tuesday morning choir rehearsals at Riverside Baptist Church and singing at the local nursing homes and senior residences. He also loved a good meal and met weekly with friends at the Eliot Street Café at CEC Middle College of Denver, where he was also a Board Member. However, Bob's true passion was with the bees. He shared his knowledge of bees with his brother, Russ, who prospered in the apiary business (also as a hobby) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bob mentored local Denverites, Fred and Diane Powell with his beekeeping expertise and just retired from his beekeeping hobby at the age of 90. His ability to track down and capture swarms roving Denver and Boulder will be sorely missed.
Most of all, his family will miss him. Bob is survived by his wife, Vi, daughters Sandra Miskie, Sarah Jane Manczur, Virginia Swenson, and son Arnold Swenson (wife Kristi). Bob is also survived by his grandchildren: Christopher Miskie (wife Kathy), Kimberly Mendez (husband Jesus), Nathen Miskie (wife Christine), Andra Manczur, Arla Oullette (husband Scott), Brighton Swenson and Jude Swenson. Bob also had 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Swenson, and his brothers Russell, Pat and Paul.
The viewing will be held Wednesday, January 18th from 4-6 p.m. at Olinger Crown Hill 7777 W. 29th Avenue (29th & Wadsworth), Lakewood. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, January 19th at 10 a.m. at Riverside Baptist Church, 2401 Alcott Street, Denver, 80211. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Robert J Swenson Memorial Fund, c/o Riverside Baptist Church.