Dates
Kenneth Lee Swets, age 86, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018 in San Angelo. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 17 at Southland Baptist Church of San Angelo.
Ken was born on January 1, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry A. and Elizabeth “Betty” Swets. On June 24, 1955 he married the love of his life, Rosemary Jean Engbers, daughter of Benjamin and Artie Engbers, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ken is a graduate of Christian elementary and secondary schools in Chicago, IL. He received an A.B. degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, and earned an M. Ed. from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Ken served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 and then served as a teacher and principal in Christian schools in Kalamazoo, MI; Racine, WI; Evergreen Park, IL; Holland, MI; and Everett, WA. For 20 years, Ken served as Administrator of School and Public Relations for Christian Schools International (CSI) in Grand Rapids, MI.
Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosemary, their children: Keith Swets and his wife Linda of Norton Shores, MI; Dr. Paul Swets and his wife Molly, of San Angelo, TX; Lynn Swets of Holland MI; Mark Swets and his wife Cheri of Grand Rapids, MI; son-in-law Joel Wallinga of Ann Arbor, MI; and daughter-in-law Robyn Wallace of Omaha, NE. Ken is also survived by 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his son Dr. Daniel Swets of Sioux Falls, SD; his daughter Beth Wallinga of Ann Arbor, MI; his daughter-in-law Susan Swets of San Angelo, TX; and his two brothers Donald Swets of Plantation, FL and James Swets of Grand Rapids, MI.
Ken is remembered by all who knew him for his sense of humor. He regularly corresponded with a large network of friends and former colleagues all over the U.S. who benefited from his jokes, stories, and insight. While he called his wife “Rose,” he often referred to himself as “Thorn,” claiming she was the beautiful and soft portion of their partnership, but those who knew him know that he did not have anything prickly in his nature, but was instead kind, generous, witty, and wise.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made in Ken’s name to your local Christian schools or to the charity of your choice.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign an online register book at
www.harper-funeralhome.com