Robert W. Swatosch

Robert W. Swatosch was born April 12, 1937, to Wallace and Sylvia Swatosch in Hopkins, MN. He attended school at Hopkins where he played football, hockey, and baseball. He graduated in 1957. Bob attended St. Thomas College and St. Cloud College in Minnesota where he played football and hockey. He graduated in 1961 with a BS in Education. He taught Social Studies and Government and coached football in Lamberton, MN for three years. He moved to Melrose in 1963 and taught Social Studies at the high school level. During this time, he coached football and baseball. Bob met and married Sylvia Folden in 1965. They lived in Melrose, MN until 1970, and then moved to Anchorage, AK. Bob taught Social Studies and Government at West High School, and he was hired to be the head coach of the football team. Because there was no high school until 1972, the players from Elmendorf, or Ft. Richardson, attended school at West or Dimond. Players practiced football at Ft. Richardson and played their games at the Elmendorf Stadium. The team was so successful, they won the CIFC Conference the first two years. Because Bartlett High School had not yet been established in 1970, Bob had the opportunity to select the team name (Bartlett Golden Bears), the school colors (blue and gold), and the “fight song” which was from Notre Dame. He was called “Papa Bear” by his football players and students. He was loved and respected by them. He enjoyed working with young people. He retired from coaching in 1987 and teaching in 1990. After his wife, Sylvia, retired, they traveled in their RV around the country. His hobbies were playing golf and fishing. Bob and Sylvia had been married over 51 years. He died September 30, 2016, at Providence Hospital from complications of congestive heart failure. Bob is survived by his wife, Sylvia, his brothers: David and Michael Swatosch of Hopkins, MN and David’s family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He was cremated and the family will scatter his ashes at a later date. A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held Monday, October 17, 2016, from 4-6:30p at Legacy Funeral Home located at 440 E. Klatt Rd. Anchorage, AK.