Burlin "Bob" Swalstad

Burlin "Bob" Swalstad, 79, Fargo passed away Monday, September 12, 2011.

Bob was born June 2, 1932 to Burlin and Ruth (Amundson) Swalstad in Shelly, MN. Bob's father passed away when he was a baby. Bob was raised by his mother and many aunts and uncles. Bob grew up in Shelly, MN, graduating from Climax High School in 1950.

After graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Army in 1953. Bob served in Germany as a radio operator/technician during the Korean Conflict. Bob married DeNae Baker at Shelly Lutheran Church on September 15, 1953. Bob was honorably discharged in 1955. After returning to the States, Bob and DeNae made their home in many towns in MN while Bob worked Road Construction. Bob attended Wahpeton State School of Science graduating with an associate's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering in 1958. Following graduation, Bob went to work for NDSU in the Physics' Department before moving to the Chemistry Department where he retired after 35 years of service in 1994.

Bob enjoyed his lake home on Lake Ida which he and is uncles built in 1966. He spent many hours pulling his 4 daughters and neighborhood kids water skiing around the lake. His evenings were spent around the bonfire with friends and family. He enjoyed riding his many motorcycles.

Bob was an active American Legion and 40/8 Member where he spent several years in the toy shop repairing toys for under privileged children. If anything ever needed to be fixed, Bob would fix it.

Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, DeNae, Fargo, four daughters; Lyn (Todd) Sanders, Gurnee, IL, Roberta "Bobbi Kay" (Chuck) Kranz, Phoenix, AZ, Tammy Barney, Phoenix, AZ, Kelly (Arlen) Johnson, Detroit Lakes, MN, grandchildren; Jennifer, Brianne, Justin, Jamie, Mackenzie, Ashley, and Jacob, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and son-in-law, Sam Barney.