Robert (bob) M. Swisshelm

Robert M. (Bob) Swisshelm Jr. , age 69, of New Philadelphia, went home to be with the Lord early Monday morning in the Arbors at Canton Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Swisshelm had courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease for the past nine years. Born at Uhrichsville July 23, 1936, he was one of four children reared by the late Robert M. and Donna V. Mills Swisshelm Sr. Mr. Swisshelm earned great respect from his co-workers and family having completed forty-two years of affiliation with the former Joy Manufacturing where he worked as a tool grinder until his retirement in 1997. In 1995, he was presented with a solid oak grandfather clock commemorating his fortieth service anniversary.At home, Bob could always be found working on cars, toiling in the garden, or spending time with his family. He was regarded as a super father and grandfather, and being together with his family gave Bob tremendous satisfaction. His interests also included Citizen’s Band Radio, and operating a HAM radio. Bob also frequented swap meets and car shows. He prized his collection of die-cast automobiles and was one of the area’s biggest Elvis fans. His family put it best “Dad was always on the go.”On January 27, 1959, Bob married the former Kay E. Walker. The couple had met years before at the former Riverside Skating Rink. The two celebrated forty-six years together earlier this year. Mr. Swisshelm will be sadly missed by his wife, and their children, Tom (Beth) Swisshelm of Stone Creek, Sally (Robert) Mathias of Winfield, Cathy (Jim) Blackwell of Dover, Cindy (Rod) Murch of New Philadelphia, and Mark (Robin) Swisshelm of Dover; eleven grandchildren, Heather (Shawn) France of Dover, Kristina (Steve) Keith of New Philadelphia, Megan and Nathan Swisshelm of Stone Creek, Samantha, Andrew and Sabrina Murch all of New Philadelphia, Angella and Marissa Blackwell both of Dover, Lance Corporal Kyle Stein of Camp Pendleton, California, and Justin Stein of Dover; five great-grandchildren, Tori and Jessica Keith of New Philadelphia, Alexie and Brianna France both of Dover, a brother John (Ruth) Swisshelm of Dover, a sister, Judy (Doyle) Shoup of New Philadelphia, and a brother Bill and his companion Staci Cope of Goshen Township. In addition to his parents, Mr. Swisshelm was preceded in death by his uncle, Jack Legg, as well as his brothers in law, Rick Walker and Eugene Sanders. Friends are invited to call Wednesday from 2-4 and 6 -8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Rev. Daniel Legg will officiate funeral services Thursday afternoon, November 3, 2005 at 1:30 PM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow at East Avenue Cemetery. Following the committal service, family and friends will continue the celebration of Bob’s life at a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. Contributions commemorating Bob’s battle with Parkinson’s disease may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.