Dr. Robert "Bob" J. Svare PE

Dr. Robert J. “Bob” Svare PE, 81, of Isanti, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024 at his home.

He was born September 16, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Clarence and Margaret (Price) Svare.  Bob grew up in St. Paul and attended Cretin High School where he earned the National Merit Scholarship Award, graduating in 1960.  He attended the University of Minnesota – PhD in Psychology and Human Factors Masters EE and Bachelor EE.

            Bob worked for Control Data Corporation (Engineering Technician- NASA Gemini Program), RTS Electric and Prompt Electric Electrical Contracting (Master Electrician), Prompt Systems (Electrical and Electronic Systems Integrator), Anoka Vocational College (Electrical and Electronics Instructor), Svare Professional Engineering (Forensic Electrical Engineer). 

            Bob was an internationally recognized expert for pioneering forensic investigative methods that are utilized for fire, explosion, personal injury and equipment damage investigations.

            Bob was one of the original adjunct professors that taught electrical theory and investigative practices for the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) – Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), National Response Team (NRT) and Advanced Origin and Cause training programs at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), Gyno, GA.  Bob in his career had been instrumental in training 1000’s of International Federal, State, and Local Law enforcement and private investigators.

In 2023 he retired from his business and enjoyed spending time at home.  Bob was a ham radio operator, enjoyed the hobby of remote-control airplanes, working in his wood shop, welding and doing crafts with his grandchildren.

            He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Margaret Svare, second wife Peggy Svare and brother Gene Svare.

Bob is survived by wife Charleen Amdahl of Isanti, his first wife; Joan and their sons, Mark (Kerry) Svare and Jim (Cindy) Svare, stepsons from his second marriage; Matt (Joanne) Coller, George (Tanya) Coller, Jamie (Cris) Coller and Ryan Coller, 11 grandchildren; Jill Neu, Carol (Eric) Severson, Roberta Svare, Isabel Coller, Harris Coller, Jake Coller, Jacob Coller, Jack Coller, Kiera Coller, Thomas Coller and Kevin Coller, two great grandsons; Dominic and Devin Neu, sister Mary Claire Svare and her son Erik Reynolds, brothers Greg and Chris Svare, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Gathering 1-4PM, Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home.

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