Robert Harry Sward, a resident member of the Knights Templar Club in Summit Lake, died Wednesday September 2, 2009, at Langlade Hospital. He was 82 years old. Mr. Sward born in Moline, IL on January 14, 1927 to Harry and Clarabell (Shook) Sward. He resided in Moline until 1976 when he moved to Vero Beach, FL.

Mr. Sward attended public schools in Moline, IL. he graduated in 1944 from the Moline High School. After serving two years in the Army, including one year of service with the occupation forces in Germany; he returned home and entered Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. While attending Augustana he was active in debate and was a member of Omicron Sigma Omicron fraternity. He graduated in 1949. He married La Vonna Woods in 1950 and they were the parents of three sons. The couple divorced in 1976.

Mr. Sward began employment with the Moline Daily Dispatch in 1949, and held many positions including co-publisher and general manager. When the newspaper was sold in 1969 he continued employment with the Moline Daily Dispatch until retirement in 1976. While in Moline he was active in community affairs and amateur musical theater, working with the Quad City Music Guild for 25 years. He was elected to the OCMG hall of fame in 1982. Mr. Sward married Barbara "Bobbie" Schullstrom in Vero Beach, FL in 1982, and since then they have divided their time between Vero Beach and Summit Lake, where they are resident members of the knights Templar Club. He was a member of the Masonic Order, the Scottish Rite, the Kiwanis Club, and Christ by the Sea Methodist Church. He was a member of the Vero Beach Country Club, and Bass Lake Country Club. Mr. Sward was an avid fisherman, having spent more than 70 weeks in a tent in Northern Canada. He and his wife have spent extensive time in world travel.

Mr. Sward is survived by his wife Bobbie, three sons: Steven (Carla) of Rochester, MN, Scott (Debby Gallenberg) of Elcho, and Peter of Summit Lake. Four grandchildren, three step children, and eight step grandchildren.

Private family services will be held.

Memorials may be directed to the Knights Templar Club, PO Box 130, Summit Lake, WI 54485, or Augustana College Advancement Office, 639 38th St., Rock Island, IL 61201

Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com

Services