Robert E. Swanstrom

Robert Eugene Swanstrom, known to all as Bob, passed away on March 14, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by his loving family in Freeport, Illinois. Born on May 2, 1929, in Pecatonica, Illinois, he was the only child of Beatrice Swanstrom. Bob grew up in Pecatonica before being drafted into the U.S. Army on February 2, 1951. He served with the 101st Airborne Division, 8th Cavalry, during the Korean Conflict for two and three-quarter years, earning the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Stars, a United Nations Ribbon, and two citations from South Korea. He was honorably discharged and returned to civilian life.

On October 23, 1954, Bob married Ethel Mae Becker. The couple made their home in Freeport, where they raised their three children, Linda, Ron, and Brian. Bob and Ethel shared more than 70 years together until her passing in June 2025. He worked for Dean Foods in Pecatonica both before and after his military service. In 1966, he joined Newell Manufacturing as a second-shift production supervisor, a position he held with dedication until his retirement 31 years later. In retirement, he continued to take on part-time work to stay active and engaged.

Bob’s greatest passion was aviation. He earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 16 and owned numerous aircraft throughout his life. Albertus Airport in Freeport served as his second home, where he enjoyed restoring and flying vintage planes. It was through his love of flying that he and Ethel formed many enduring friendships. Bob had a warm and engaging personality that drew people to him. Whether at work or at the airport, he took a genuine interest in others, mentoring and encouraging them in ways that left a lasting impact.

He was a longtime member of the Pecatonica American Legion, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and Grace Valley Christian Reformed Church, where he served as an elder, deacon, and Sunday school superintendent. Bob is survived by his children, Linda (Carl) Estep of Hartman, Arkansas, Ron (Jill) Swanstrom of Freeport, and Brian (Diane) Swanstrom of Baileyville; his grandchildren, Wendy (Jeremy) Cash, Brittany (Nolan) Fenwick, Brianne (Brock) Greenhow, Ben Estep, Leslie Estep, and Kelly Estep; his great-grandchildren, Melody Estep, Elizabeth and Annabelle Cash, Finnegan and Lennon Fenwick, Isla and Knox Greenhow, and Brian Morrow; his great-great-grandchildren, Eliana Hunstable, Jenna and Jaycee Morrow; his sister-in-law, Loretta Larson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Myers, his wife, Ethel, his grandson, Nathan Estep, and his great-grandson, Jeremy Morrow.