Racine – Robert (Roby) John Swanson Jr, 67, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2017 in Racine, Wisconsin. He was born in Hibbing, Minnesota at 3:45 p.m. on July 27, 1949 to the late Robert and Jean (nee: Kniep) Swanson. Growing up, Roby spent his summers in a cabin on Island Lake where he and his sisters would waterski from sunup to sundown. He went on to develop a deep passion for cars, both for their form and function. Having mastered the art of racing as well as building & restoration, one of his most prized accomplishments was his 1967 Blue GTO convertible with white interior. What he prized most, however, were his family and friends.

Roby was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969. Because he had scored highly on the general-aptitude test and displayed an unusual propensity for math, he was trained as an FO-FAC (forward observer, fire air control). He was then moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he received ARVN training in jungle warfare. He went on to serve one tour in Pleiku Province in the Western Central Highlands of Vietnam. He would later recall his time in Pleiku as the one short year that defined the rest—his army fatigues becoming a husk he could never shed or shake loose from. But on May 3, 1996, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Brown. It was her innate understanding of the human spirit coupled with her unwavering love for Roby that, over the course of their marriage, allowed her to walk alongside him in his own brokenness. Bonnie, along with their 5 children, continued to help peel back those layers that confined him—until finally laying bare his truest self, which was always kind and generous and true.

Roby's propensities for mathematics lead him to at first consider a career in engineering. However, he soon realized that accounting was his true calling and went on to earn a two-year senior accounting certificate from the Minnesota School of Business. Roby excelled at drafting business models as well as negotiating and structuring acquisitions. He spent the last 17 years of his work life with W.T. Walker Group Inc., where he served as both vice president of finance and chief financial officer.

To those who had the privilege of knowing him, Roby was a master storyteller. Whether he was describing the blue-collar houses that lined Franklin Avenue in their hometown or the color of the night sky after an ambush, the memories he kept were like photographs. Catalogued and collated, he could reach for them at will, always delivering them with urgency and intoxicating enthusiasm. What we all wouldn't give to hear just one more of his stories—to watch his hands flail in the air, to see that mischievous smile light up his face as he reaches the story's most climactic moment? Those stories—along with every word of advice, every selfless act of kindness and generosity—have already claimed their stake and taken root in us all. Let them continue to keep us in a state of perpetual growth. Let them remind us that we are always becoming better than we are.

Roby is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Swanson of Caledonia; his children: Angie Flores of Racine, John (and Leslie) Bruno of Boulder, Colorado, Jennifer Bruno of Kenosha, Elizabeth (and Sam) Modder of Racine, and Stephanie Rose Swanson of Burlington; 11 grandchildren: Breana (and Bobby), Amber, Anthony, April, Leaf, Forest, Audrianna, Alexis, Tristan, Uriah, and Willa; 2 great-grandchildren: Lincoln and Ayden; his twin sister Karen Alvord of Racine, and sister Ethel (and Terry) Dowling of Stockton, California; niece Amber Alvord of Waseca, Minnesota; sister-in-law Barbara (and Dominic) Lupo of Racine; father-in-law William Leber of Hibbing, Minnesota; as well as other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law David Flores; and brothers-in-law, Max Alvord, Tom Brown, and John Brown.

Services will be held at Grace Church on Thursday, June 1, 2017. Visitation will begin at 4:00 pm and be followed by his funeral service at 6:30 pm. Interment and military honors in Graceland Cemetery will take place 10:00 am on Friday, June 2, 2017. Please meet inside the front gate at 9:45 am. Memorials in his name have been suggested to Career Industries, or the Disabled American Vets Fund.

Service Details

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Grace Church, 3626 Ole Davidson Road (Hwy 31), Racine, WI 53405

• Visitation: 4:00 – 6:30
• Funeral Service: 6:30

Friday, June 2, 2017

Interment & Military Honors at Graceland Cemetery

• Please meet at the gate at 9:45

Memorial Suggestions

• Career Industries
• Disabled American Vets Fund.