Robert Swanson

Robert (Bob) Swanson, 78, a long time resident of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2012, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on May 18, 1933. He was adopted by Howard and Hazel (Sudduth) Swanson of Neola, Iowa. He moved to Walnut, Iowa, and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1951, and Iowa State University in 1955 with a B.S. in Farm OP. He married Patricia J. Nieman December 18, 1953, in Ames, Iowa, at the Collegiate Presbyterian Church. After graduation from ISU he joined Wilson and Company and worked 17 ½ years as a cattle buyer. He then worked for IBP as a cattle buyer retiring from there after 20 years.

Bob was a member of the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, Grove Lodge #492 AF & AM, El Kahir Shrine of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Peoria Rod and Gun Club of Peoria, Arizona, Audubon County Conservation Club, Safari Club International, was a Charter Member of ISU Wrestling Club and the Geneseo Jaycees, Geneseo, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Pat of Atlantic; two sons, Dale L. Swanson and wife Cynthia of Adel, IA and Mark A. Swanson of West Des Moines, IA; two grandchildren, Christine Swanson and Scott Swanson; and nieces, nephews and several cousins.

Visitation will be Friday, January 13, 2012, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic.

Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in the family plot.

In lieu of flowers, Bob's family has requested memorials be directed to the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, the Atlantic Fire Department or a charity of your choice in Bob's name.


Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa is in charge of the arrangements.