Obituary of Robert Swiggum

Robert “Bob” Swiggum (age 85) peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family in his Prior Lake home on Sunday, June 4, 2023. He was preceded in death by parents, Justin and Evelyn Swiggum; sister, Mary Sullivan; nephew, Timothy Solberg; father-in-law, Ed Colletti, mother-in-law, Myrtle Colletti; and his beloved wife of 58 years, Tonette “Toni” Swiggum.

Born in LaCrosse, WI, Bob’s family moved to Ortonville, MN. One year later they moved and settled into what would become his hometown, St. Cloud, MN, where his parents would come to build, own, and operate Swiggum’s Motel off of Division Street. When the sports side of Bob didn’t bring him to the track, basketball court, baseball field or football field, he spent time working at the motel, restaurant and gas station. Bob attended St. Cloud Tech High School (1953-1956) and was a gifted athlete, earning 12 letters in 4 sports and became one of the first inductees into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Athletics, however, wasn’t his only interest during high school; he also met the love of his life, Toni Colletti, who would later become his bride.

Following high school graduation in 1956, Bob was selected to play in the first-ever High School All-Star Football Game. There he was offered a full football scholarship along with a partial baseball scholarship to the University of Minnesota. While Bob was humbled by the offer and opportunity, his heart led him to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN where he majored in Business Administration and played both football and baseball. Later he was selected as Little American QB and inducted into the Gustavus Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1993 Bob was recognized for his contributions and dedication to Gustavus and was a recipient of the Greater Gustavus Award.

Bob and Toni were married on July 9, 1960. As the years went on, they had 3 children of their own (Lisa, Pam and Jay) before further expanding their family and adopting 2 children (Nikki and Mark) from Seoul, South Korea.

Bob held various sales and marketing roles for companies including Xerox, Gage Marketing, Jostens and IOS. Later in his career he worked at Mystic Lake Casino.

Sharing a love for Arabian horses with Toni and family, they traveled extensively in the U.S. and Canada and showed competitively, earning multiple national championships. They also shared their love (and sometimes, frustration) of being MN Viking fans as well as other local teams.

In 1997 Bob and Toni bought a cabin to renovate in the small town of Darwin, MN (famously known for its Largest Ball of Twine). The family cabin was appropriately named “Papa’s Camp” and had a large sign proudly displayed in the front yard with a placard for each grandkid’s name listed as ‘owners'. So many wonderful memories to cherish by family and friends at Papa’s Camp.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family; we all benefited from his unwavering love he showed to us. He was our biggest supporter – through our ups and downs – and always genuinely cared about how we were doing and what he could do to make life better for us.

One of Bob’s primary missions in life was to help his alma mater Gustavus. To that end, he spent countless hours during his retirement years helping promote the college to prospective student-athletes and was involved in several fundraising initiatives, which resulted in facility improvements on campus. Shortly before Bob’s passing he and Paul Nesvold, a cherished friend, college roommate and baseball teammate, were both asked to throw the first pitch at the newly renovated Gustavus baseball field and dedication event. This memory will forever be treasured by both families, especially knowing how thrilled they were to be given this opportunity and make a lasting mark and legacy at their college.

It is no coincidence that Bob lived his life just the same as Gustavus’ motto and tagline, “Make Your Life Count.” As a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, teammate and friend to many, Bob’s genuine care, support and concern for others was always felt. The legacy Bob left with his children and grandchildren of ‘extending ourselves to others’, along with his strong commitment to family and friends remain deep in the hearts of those who were honored to be a part of his life. This was best exemplified by Bob’s love and devotion for Toni. His love for her grew even more as her illness with Alzheimer’s progressed. It brings our family peace knowing they are together again and this time for eternity.

Survived by daughters, Lisa (Bruce) Finkel, Pam (Steve) May; Nikki (Marty) Cloutier; sons, Jay (Chris) Swiggum and Mark Swiggum; 12 grandchildren, Cassie, Zach, Maggie, Chelsea, Taylor, Luke, Corrina, Justin, Caylie, Owen, Quinn and Gage; 7 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Jim (Jeanee) Colletti; nieces, Jennifer Colletti, Emily Colletti and Sara Sunde; along with many other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, July 20 at 2:00 p.m., with Visitation at 1:30 p.m. at Cremation Society of Minnesota – Edina. Reception to follow service.

Private interment in St. Cloud next day