Obituary for Kenneth S. Swanson

Kenneth S. Swanson, 78, Ramsey MN, Left his earthly home on July, 10, 2023.

Preceded in death by parents, Alma and Albert Swanson, and beloved dog, Paka.

Survived by loving sister Cheryl, brother in law Richard. Proud Uncle to Chris and Cory (Erin), and grand nephew Alex and grand nieces Aria and Lyra, cousins Richard, Warren, Linda, Bev, Lee and Dennis. Ken was blessed with such amazing people in his life who provided love, care, and most of all, friendship - Katie, Lora, Jody, and best friend Dana, along with many other special people.

Besides being a cowboy at heart, Ken loved his vintage cars, his motorcycles, his model car and train collections, and his much loved Smokey. Ken spent his career surrounded by automobiles and music. He worked at Red Rooster and Napa Auto Parts, where he would deliver parts and became friends with the clients, bringing them gifts of music CD’s on his deliveries. He also excelled at restoring cars, and always reminded our entire family to park far away from other cars to prevent door dings. But the career he loved the most was bringing joy to people through music. Ken brought his vintage jukebox to many parties, along with several Robbinsdale class of 1963 reunions where classmates remembered him as always being so kind, sharing his photos of elementary school, and always thinking of ways to add his special touch to make reunions even better. He is remembered by classmates as being the “music man” who loved to document these gatherings with video and photos. He also enjoyed being a music DJ for many weddings, graduation parties, and anniversaries. Ken was always someone who loved to help - whether it was a car problem, helping people move, giving rides on his mini-bikes to the neighborhood children or making cd’s as special gifts for anniversaries, or birthdays. Ken was always someone to be in the center of things. He was always close to family and he enjoyed celebrating Baptisms, birthdays, holidays together, but Ken always brought his own favorite dessert - Hostess Cupcakes.

Ken’s Celebration of Life will be held at Advent Lutheran Church, 9475 Jefferson Hwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369, on Sunday July 16. Visitation will start at 1 pm, with video highlights of his life beginning at 1:45 in the sanctuary. The service will begin at 2 pm.

Special thanks also to Alexa and Ana for the joy they brought to Ken on enjoyable trips. Also we are forever grateful to the Moments Hospice Group, and all the wonderful staff and volunteers at Quiet Oaks Hospice Home that gave Ken such excellent care during his last week. Finally, he received the gift of Pastor Melanie who was able to help guide Ken on the "Route 66" to Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, family requests any memorial gifts to be directed to Quiet Oaks Hospice (5537 Galaxy Rd, St. Cloud, MN 56301) to help support these Angels as they care for others.