Marian J. Swerer

Marian J. Swerer, age 93, of Fort Collins, Colorado, passed away on March 8, 2026, proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Bob, of 74 years, on November, 2024, as well as her daughter, Becky, age 59, on May 17, 2015.

Marian was born to Mary and George Hettinger in Fort Collins, Colorado, on April 4, 1932. She was one of five daughters: Marjorie Lensen (deceased), Shirley Martin (deceased), Dixie Schreiner (deceased), and Georgia Ackerman.

She attended elementary and secondary schools in Fort Collins and graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1950. She worked at the Campus Shop for three years where she met Bob when he used to go in for breakfast as a CSU student. They began dating and were married on September 2, 1950.

Bob opened an appliance repair business, run from their home, and Marian shared responsibilities as his bookkeeper. Bob continued with his band and music career and Marian would sometimes sing with him on stage in beautiful harmony. She was a wonderful and loving full-time mother to Pam, Bob Jr. and Becky.

In 1962, Marian and Bob opened their nightclub and restaurant the "Safari." Marian was the manager of the restaurant and worked closely with their many employees and customers while Bob operated the bars and music. Marian mentored many young adults in restaurant management and hospitality. She enjoyed the work very much. The nightclub was unique with fine dining and great music that Bob and his band provided and became very well-known and popular in Northern Colorado. The "Safari" will be remembered forever because of the many friendships that were made.

Marian retired with Bob from the "Safari" in 1982 and began traveling the world with family and friends.

She traveled to Africa, China, the Caribbean, and many other countries. She loved Thailand, however, her trips to Vegas with her sisters and girlfriends were some of her best memories. They gambled (a little). Marian always had a special gift for finances and real estate investments. She was a member of a local women's financial group and was a natural at keeping an eye on the latest investment and stock markets. She taught her children to learn and save.

Marian served as a volunteer for many years for Poudre Valley Hospital and the Department of Human Services. She was an avid reader, reading at least one book per week. She loved to entertain at home and cook beautiful meals for family and friends. You could always finder her watching the food network channel with a sparkle in her eyes. She loved playing serious bridge for many years with her good friends. Marian had an exceptional eye in the design of her homes throughout the years. It carried over with the beauty in her clothing style. She set the example.

She will always be greatly loved and respected by her family and many friends. She is survived by her daughter, Pam, and son, Bob Jr., of Fort Collins, and grandchildren Matt Wells (Stephanie), Aubrey Baar (Chris), Robert McNutt (Becky, deceased), Morgan Sciacca (Chris), Falyn, Anastazia McNutt, Bob Swerer III, and her sister, Georgia Ackerman (Dean). As well as 8 great-grandchildren and many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.