Robert J. "Bob" Swalwell Sr.

Robert "Bob" J. Swalwell Sr., 83 of Marshall died on Friday February 12, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family following a long illness.
Bob was born on May 10, 1937 in Marshall to Joseph and Donna (Chambers) Swalwell. While he was growing up, Bob learned a lot of plumbing and electrical skills from his grandfather Glenn Chambers. He attended Houston School through the 8th grade and graduated from Marshall High School in 1954. Bob enlisted and served in the United States Marines 1957-1959. On June 19, 1959 Bob married Judy VandenBosch in Battle Creek.
Bob started working for the City of Marshall in 1955 and was the second person hired to work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. When the Superintendent left in 1959, Bob was promoted to Superintendent. Over the years, with the changing of technology, he would put away his slide rule and learn the computer. Bob enjoyed learning and would go on to get his Associate Degree from Kellogg Community College while still working and raising his family. Along with getting his Associates degree, Bob also earned the highest level of Water and Wastewater Certification the State of Michigan offers. As time went on, he later became the Superintendent of the Water Department as well, running both Water and Wastewater Departments. Bob was honored by the city of Marshall in 1997 when the city renamed the Wastewater Treatment Facility to the Robert J. Swalwell Wastewater Treatment Facility to honor Bob for his 42 years of dedication to the people of the city of Marshall. Bob was a member of the Marshall United Methodist Church. He was a proud donor of blood to the American Red Cross giving several gallons over the years. He enjoyed camping with his children and living on his sailboat at Lake Michigan. Bob loved time with his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Judy; children Laura (Tim) Cochran and Rob Swalwell Jr.; grandchildren Mitchell (Stacey Bradley) Dutton and Alexa (Zac Fox) Swalwell; great-grandson Nathan Dutton; brother James (Kathy) Swalwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Thomas Swalwell.
Due to Covid19 a private family memorial service will take place at Marshall United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to Oaklawn Hospice, 3444 Preston Dr, Marshall, MI 49068 ( https://oaklawnhospital.org/donate/) or donate blood in Bob's memory at the American Red Cross. Memorial donation may be mailed to the Kempf Funeral Home PO Box 519 Marshall MI 49068 for delivery to the charity. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guestbook at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US 27 Hwy N Marshall MI 49068