Robert Dean Swenson

Robert "Bob" Dean Swenson, age 64, died Friday, August 22, 2025, at Sanford Hillsboro Care Center in Hillsboro, North Dakota. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, Minnesota. Inurnment to follow at Oakdale Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held for two hours prior, starting at 9:00 a.m.

Bob was born January 27, 1961, in Crookston, Minnesota to Kenneth and Susan (Prady) Swenson. He graduated from Crookston Central High School in 1979. He married Laurie Ellen Lent on June 25, 1982, at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine, Minnesota. They later separated but remained friends. Bob and Laurie had two children, Megan and Aubrey, and a granddaughter, Jada. Bob loved his children and grandchild dearly. He had a special place in his heart for the family dog, Pepper, who they called "the best dog in the world."

Bob grew up next door to the family business, Gust Swenson & Sons, which was started by his grandfather, Gust Swenson; his father, Ken Swenson; and his uncle, Don Swenson. Bob and his brothers started working there in high school. The jobs became careers, and the brothers became co-owners. After the shop closed, he worked various jobs.

Bob enjoyed camping, hunting, boating, and fishing and had great times with relatives at the family cabin in Waskish, Minnesota. He liked metal work, woodworking, wood carving, building models, and travel. He often told stories of going smelting at Lake Superior. He enjoyed movies and TV shows (especially sci-fi and western) and video games.

Survivors include daughters, Megan Violette and Aubrey Swenson, both of Erskine, Minnesota; a granddaughter, Jada Violette of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota; his long-estranged wife, Laurie Swenson of Erskine, Minnesota; a sister, Marlene (Pete) Linn of River Falls, Wisconsin; brothers, Dennis (Lucia) Swenson and Byron (Peggy) Swenson, both of Crookston, Minnesota; seven nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Steven Swenson, who died in infancy; and a special nephew, Frank Linn.

The service will be livestreamed, a link to which will be available at www.stenshoelhouske.com/obituaries/robert-swenson

In lieu of flowers, Bob's family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s's Children's Hospital. Donations to St. Jude’s can be made by clicking here.