Robert Douglas Swanson

Roseville The funeral services for Robert Douglas Swanson will be held at 11 AM Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Zumbro Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN with interment to be at 12:15 PM on Friday, July 12at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Mr. Swanson, 91 a longtime Rochester resident and retired Elementary School Principal, in which he last served at Elton Hills Elementary, died Thurs., July 4, 2013 in Roseville.Born March 12, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN to Selmer & Goldie (Barrett) Swanson.He received his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota.He served in the U.S. Navy during world war II.On January 20, 1945 he married Yvonne J. Olson and she preceded him in death on June 25, 2008.Mr. Swanson was a teacher for five years, and then spent the remaining years serving as Elementary School Principal for Folwell School, Holmes Elementary, Consolidation School, and Elton Hills Elementary.He was a longtime member of Zumbro Lutheran Church, and was active in various community organizations which included: Rochester Youth Hockey Assoc. where he coached for 30 years, Rochester Youth Baseball Assoc., Christmas Anonymous where he served on the board of directors, and was a longtime member of MEA and NEA.He enjoyed nature, spending time at the cabin on the Gunflint Trail, Twins baseball, and fishing. Survivors include a daughter, Simone Cody (Stephen) of Ottawa, Ontario, two sons: Douglas Swanson (Janice) of Mounds View, MN and Dean Swanson (Carolyn) of Appleton, WI,six grandchildren and six great grandchildren, along with 2 brothers: Donald Swanson of Golden Valley, MN and William Swanson of Shoreview, MN.He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, and his wife. Visitation will be held 5-7 PM Wednesday at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to services at Zumbro Lutheran Church on Thursday.Suggested memorials are Rochester Youth Hockey Assn., Zumbro Lutheran Church, or American Cancer Society. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN55901 (507)289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com