Robert P. Swenson

Robert P. Swenson, 85, of Rockford, passed away peacefully at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon on Saturday, August 9, 2014. He was born on December 7, 1928 in Sterling the son of Axel and Laura (Swaski) Swenson. Lived most of his years in the Rockford area. Graduated from Harlem High School class of 1946 where he participated in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was inducted into the Harlem Wall of fame for football. He was a Corporal in the Armed Forces of the United States in the Korean War as a truck driver to the front lines. He received the Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, a United Nations Service Medal and a National Defense Service Medal. He also served in the National Guard of Illinois. Robert married his loving wife of 63 years, Ramona M. Peterson on May 26, 1951 at Alpine Lutheran Church, she preceded him on June 21, 2014. He was a long time member of the American Legion, Robert C. Carlson, Post 1207, a longtime member of Alpine Lutheran Church, an avid sports fan and he played and coached the men's fast pitch softball team for sixteen years at the church. He retired as a stone mason working with various construction companies. Robert was a quiet and gentle man who enjoyed being part of the lives of family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Anne Osterberg, special friend and caregiver, for her compassionate loving care and support. Also, deepest appreciation to Home Instead staff and caregivers, Preferred Health Care Staff, Swedes Staff Orthopedic Neurology Dept. and Serenity Hospice Home Staff. The family is truly grateful to our Dad's sister-in-laws, Beatrice and Nancy for their devotion and continuous help in countless ways.
Survivors include his children, Debbie (Dan) Matthews, Robert (Glenda) Swenson, Bruce "Whitey" (Sara Kornetzke) Swenson; grandchildren, Erika (Rich) Hillabolt and Ryan Matthews; great grandchildren, Rowen, Peyton, and Reed Hillabolt; in-laws, Dale (Mary) Peterson, Robert (Beatrice) Lundgren, Edwin (Nancy) Lorenzen, Barbara Peterson and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ramona; parents, brother-in-laws, Roger, Derrald and Eugene Peterson, great-grandson, Ryder Hillabolt; sister-in-law, Janet Peterson and niece, Karen Breitbach.
Funeral service Friday, August 15, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Alpine Lutheran Church, 5001 Forest View Ave with Rev. Daniel Wynard officiating. Visitation Thursday, August 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with visitation continuing on Friday at church from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will be held at 2:30 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Machesney Park. In lieu of flowers memorials to: Loves Park VFW, 2018 Windsor Rd., Loves Park; American Legion Post 1207, 1011 S. Alpine Rd, Rockford or to the family for funds to be sent to Roy Gayle Pony Baseball League.