Robert “Bob” Paul Swanson, age 89, of Nevada, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, at Story County Senior Care in Nevada.

Bob was born on August 11, 1936, in Postville, Iowa, to Paul Everett and Blanche Margaret (Oelke) Swanson. He graduated from Maxwell High School in 1954 and proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve before receiving an honorable discharge in 1961. The values he carried from his service, humility, integrity, dedication, and compassion, remained at the heart of the man he became.

On June 1, 1957, Bob married the love of his life, is favorite flower, Daisy Mary Maxwell, at Collins United Methodist Church in Collins. Together they shared nearly 69 years of unwavering devotion, building a life grounded in faith, family, and love. Their marriage was a beautiful example of partnership and commitment. Following Daisy's passing in March 2026, Bob deeply missed the woman who had been his constant companion, greatest supporter, and best friend. Those who love them find comfort in knowing they are reunited once more.

Bob will be remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was. He possessed a rare and genuine kindness that touched everyone he met. Whether offering a helping hand, a listening ear, words of encouragement, or simply his quiet presence, Bob had a gift for making people feel valued and cared for. He never sought recognition for his good deeds, yet he spent a lifetime serving others through his church, his community, and his family. His compassion ran deep, and his gentle nature made him a source of comfort, strength, and stability to so many.

Family was the center of Bob's world. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. His greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved, celebrating their accomplishments, sharing stories at his afternoon McDonald’s coffee, and creating memories that will be cherished forever. His family knew they could always count on his wisdom, patience, and unconditional love.

Throughout his life, Bob dedicated himself to serving others. He worked as a mechanic at Postville Implement before moving to Nevada to become head of the bus department for Nevada Community School District. He later served as a school bus inspector for the Iowa Department of Education. In every role, he was respected for his strong work ethic, fairness, and genuine concern for the safety and well-being of others.

A man of faith and service, Bob was a member of William F. Ball American Legion Post #48 in Nevada, where he faithfully served as chaplain. He was also a devoted member of Central Presbyterian Church, Nevada Masonic Lodge #99, and Eastern Star. Over the years, he volunteered with both the Postville and Nevada Fire Departments, always answering the call when his community needed him.

Bob had a remarkable artistic talent and an appreciation for the beauty that surrounded him. He was an accomplished painter and sketch artist whose work reflected both patience and creativity. He found joy in preserving the character and history of rural Iowa through photography, often spending hours traveling back roads with Daisy and his grandkids in search of weathered barns and forgotten landmarks. Through the lens of his camera, he captured scenes many others passed by, preserving moments of simple beauty and stories of a changing countryside.

His creativity extended to his woodworking, where he crafted intricate wooden trucks and tractors with extraordinary care and attention to detail. These treasured gifts became family heirlooms, lovingly displayed and passed down through generations. He also enjoyed creating scrapbooks that documented family milestones, trips, and everyday moments, preserving memories so future generations could look back and remember.

Bob's life was a testament to the beauty of quiet goodness. He was not a man who sought the spotlight, yet his influence was immeasurable. He taught those around him the value of hard work, humility, service, faith, and kindness. His example shaped lives, strengthened families, and enriched his community. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was a storyteller, craftsman, encourager, and role model. To all who knew him, he was simply one of the very best men they could ever hope to meet.

Though his family grieves his loss, they are profoundly grateful for the gift of having known and loved him. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the memories he created, the artwork he shared, the photographs he captured, and the countless lives he touched with his compassion and love.

Bob is survived by his children, Joel and his wife, Sue Swanson, of Kelley, and Terry and her husband, Gerald Milham, of Green River, Wyoming; his grandchildren, Andrew and his wife, Allison Swanson, Beth and her husband, Eric Hendrickson, Heather and her husband, Chuck Schadt, Erica Spaid, and Charlee Marie Spaid; his great-grandchildren, Kolton and his wife, Laney Deaton, Karlie Hendrickson, James Angelo, Hallee, Heavann and Camden Schadt, Lucas and Connor McDonough, and Zander and Kennadee Stewart; his great-great-grandchildren, Willow and Blakely McNeely; and his brother, Paol (Swanson) Seagram of Hawaii.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Blanche Swanson; his beloved wife, Daisy; his daughter, Debbi; his sister, Betty (Joe) Casey; Gloria and Allen Anderson and his infant brother, Dean Swanson.

A memorial service honoring Bob's life and legacy will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada. The service will be livestreamed on the following link, https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/robert-swanson-service. A reception and time to greet the family will begin in the fellowship hall at 1 p.m. and continue until the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Maxwell Cemetery in Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with arrangements.

Bob's family will remember him as a man whose hands could build, whose eyes could find beauty in the simplest things, and whose heart held enough love and kindness to touch generations. His was a life well lived, deeply loved, and forever cherished. ❤️