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Kenneth Robert Swanborn

Kenneth Swanborn Obituary

Kenneth Robert Swanborn, passed away Sept. 4, 2008, age 49, late of Calumet City, formerly of Dolton. Ardently beloved husband of Janet, nee Stockey; cherished son of Robert and Nancy Swanborn; affectionate brother of Carol (Charles) Decker, Christine (Paul) Lynch, Thomas (Erin)

Swanborn and Elizabeth (Anthony) Licata; adored uncle of many nieces, nephews and one great-niece; much loved nephew of Marilyn and the late Madelyn Jacobs; loving son-in-law of Edward and Virginia Stockey. Ken was also known as stand-up comedian Ken Swann. In lieu of flowers please vote Democratic.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Sep. 7 to Sep. 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Swanborn

Sponsored by Jimmy and Aly.

31 Entries

Chuck, aka Charlie Brown

November 21, 2008

To Tom and all of Ken's family,

I just found out this evening about Ken's passing. I'm sorry that I couldn't be there with you to celebrate his life. Tom and I talked about getting Ken to come to one of our epic Wicker Park softball contests between Goldstar and Phyllis' Musical Inn, but unfortunately it never came to pass. I hadn't seen Ken since early high school years and I never saw him do his stand-up, but I have a clear memory of Ken during a pickup baseball game, way back when, making an incredible acrobatic catch deep in left field while heading into the weeds. I'm not sure why I remember that, maybe I was the one who hit it.

Peace Ken

Tim Hubbard

October 11, 2008

I was just made aware of Ken's passing last evening and had not been in touch with him since early High School. Even though I had not seen him for such a long period of time the one thing that lingers in my mind is that he was always so much fun to be around. I would have really enjoyed seeing one of his comedy acts. My condolences to those who had been a part of his adult life.

Stephen Nicholas

September 17, 2008

Thanks, Kenneth. I will vote Democratic! Stephen

Leo Klein

September 14, 2008

I'm sad to hear this news. I was lucky enough to meet Ken at a number of grassroot Democratic events -- both social and political -- and appreciated his extremely positive and friendly personality.

My condolences to his family.

Mike Ploski

September 11, 2008

Swannee, I miss already our weekly political discussions for a most needed change. You left us so early to our mortal musings. The master plan had a calling for you on a higher dimension. Till we meet again...

PHYLLIS WILLIAMS

September 11, 2008

Ken was my brother-in-law and the best buddy of my young granddaughter, Taylor. He played with her as if they were the same age. She was always saying things like, "You better help me clean up, or I'll tell Janet (his wife) and you'll be grounded!" I will especially remember how they used to "dance", i.e. jump up and down and run around the kitchen table to the music of Zorba the Greek. One day they knocked the coffee pot on the floor, shattering it to pieces. My son came in while they were sweeping the floor and said, "Well, you know you're going to have to tell Gram what happened." Ken said, "I'm outta here," and went home.

September 9, 2008

Swanny, hard to put words down that describe you, we grew to be good friends in the late 80's early 90's. What iI mean by a friend is someone who would do anything for you and with you. Always laughing and joking and having fun. What I have now is memories of a guy with a huge heart and smile that I always wanted the best for him and cheered for him all the way. Swanny, you got my vote.

Swanborn Family April 2008

September 8, 2008

Chrissy (Decker), Dan, Elissa & Charlie Fogarty

September 8, 2008

There are no words. Our prayers go out to all of the Swanborn family. Know that you are surrounded with love.

P.S. I bet he's up there cracking up my now, Carol Lee. I love you.

Jimmy and Aly Pierce

September 8, 2008

Subj: My Letter to Ken
Date: 09/07/2008 1:05:04 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Aly pie
To: Aly pie

I just can't believe it and am almost at a loss for words. We only knew Ken through the internet, but he was a wonderful friend for several years. Jimmy and I once told him that he should run for president. : ) No doubt about it, he was very passionate in what he believed in. I know that he loved his family and Janet with that same passion. Even though I live in Houston, one year the Astros were playing the White Sox and I remember telling Ken, don't worry the White Sox would win. His favorite baseball team, another one of his passions. I remember rooting for the White Sox, but I was actually rooting for Ken. : ) Of course they won! Ken was such a likeable person and compassionate. I remember him telling me how his bird was sick and he tried to save it. He was trying to cheer him on and when the bird started to fly that it flew into the street and a car ran over it. He was saying, why couldn't he save it, run out and get it out of the way or something, anything. That's how he was about life. How one day there was a tornado and he wanted to see it, he didn't realize how close it was and he told us how he had a garbage can lid over his head. I remember laughing telling him that God protects the stupid. I wish that we had a picture of that! : ) This election and most of the others were Ken's. He put his whole heart and sole in this one especially. Ken told us about Obama before the 2004 convention. When we heard Obama speak in 2004, Jimmy and I both knew why he was so passionate about him. I know this election meant so much to Ken. We are all going to miss him terribly. Our hearts go out to Janet and the family. Gene Winters also wanted to give his sympathy to Janet and the family. We have an e-mail string with Ken and it is going to feel like part of our family is no longer with us and we all send our love and sympathy to Janet and the family. All of our love and prayers to you all. We will always be thinking of you. I remember Ken's favorite quote Live Well, Laugh Often and Love Much. I believe he did that and I hope we can do the same. Every time I think of Ken, that's how I will remember him. We are going to miss him so very much. All of our love, Jimmy and Aly

Rita Mitchell

September 8, 2008

I, like Gene, knew Ken from an online Dem group. He was well known and loved for his wry and wicked sense of humor and his fierce devotion to the Democratic party and, above all else, the TRUTH. He spoke his mind passionately but always spoke with the truth in his mind and heart. I will miss his emails but I know he's in a better place.....my only regret is that he won't be casting his vote for Obama come November as it was one of his hopes to do. I like to think he knows the outcome already. All my love to you, Janet, and the rest of Ken's family. He leaves a legacy of laughter, love and light.

Susan Cogswell

September 7, 2008

Things we'll always remember about Swanee...
His dark eyes and his "cute smile",
His humor, his picture hanging on the wall at Zannies Comedy Club.
His gift for gab, his love for politics, his love for his family especially his nieces and nephews.

I'll always remember the great party's from the 70's & 80's including Mash Bash with cousin Carol and The Hat party with Roseann, Carol and my brother Mike. I remember calling You to Ump Connors Homewood baseball games for us. I will remember your comedy acts and never forget the show you did for my brother Joe's 40th Birthday party. I'll think of you when I hear "Maggie Speaks" and seeing you at New Lenox Days. I'll remember the White Sox World Series games and seeing you at your sister Liz's house, cheering them to the end.

Every time we saw you there you always asked how everyone in my family was especially Mike...well Swanee he's not so good right now. His heart aches over the loss of a true, good friend. You will be missed by so many and You were loved by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Love, Susan & Kent Cogswell

Dawn Heartland Blood Center

September 7, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with Ken and his family. I worked with Ken at Heartland Blood Center. The night before Ken passed away, he passed along the info for a blood donor to me, since he was not scheduled Thursday to call her. I called and she is going to come in for a blood donation. Ken helped saved 3 lives with that, what a wonderful thing to have done just before he passed. Wish we could have gotten to know him better..he will be missed by everyone at Heartland.

Lester L. Schmock

September 7, 2008

Dear Family, Would like to offer my condolences to you. Swanee was a great guy.

Sally Rock

September 7, 2008

I was so sadden to hear of the passing of Ken. I have fond memories of Liz putting Ken on the phone twenty plus years ago and swapping jokes.
God bless you all.
Sally Rock
Calumet City

Sally Rock

September 7, 2008

I was so sadden to hear of the passing of Ken. I have fond memories of Liz calling Ken on the phone twenty plus years ago(while we were suppose to be working) and swapping jokes and other humerous stories
God bless you all.
Sally Rock
Calumet City

Aly and Jimmy Pierce

September 7, 2008

I just can't believe it and am almost at a loss for words. We only knew Ken through the internet, but he was a wonderful friend for several years. Jimmy and I once told him that he should run for president. : ) No doubt about it, he was very passionate in what he believed in. I know that he loved his family and Janet with that same passion. Even though I live in Houston, one year the Astros were playing the White Sox and I remember telling Ken, don't worry the White Sox would win. His favorite baseball team, another one of his passions. I remember rooting for the White Sox, but I was actually rooting for Ken. : ) Of course they won! Ken was such a likeable person and compassionate. I remember him telling me how his bird was sick and he tried to save it. He was trying to cheer him on and when the bird started to fly that it flew into the street and a car ran over it. He was saying, why couldn't he save it, run out and get it out of the way or something, anything. That's how he was about life. How one day there was a tornado and he wanted to see it, he didn't realize how close it was and he told us how he had a garbage can lid over his head. I remember laughing telling him that God protects the stupid. I wish that we had a picture of that! : ) This election and most of the others were Ken's. He put his whole heart and sole in this one especially. Ken told us about Obama before the 2004 convention. When we heard Obama speak in 2004, Jimmy and I both knew why he was so passionate about him. I know this election meant so much to Ken. We are all going to miss him terribly. Our hearts go out to Janet and the family. Gene Winters also wanted to give his sympathy to Janet and the family. We have an e-mail string with Ken and it is going to feel like part of our family is no longer with us and we all send our love and sympathy to Janet and the family. All of our love and prayers to you all. We will always be thinking of you. I remember Ken's favorite quote Live Well, Laugh Often and Love Much. I believe he did that and I hope we can do the same. Every time I think of Ken, that's how I will remember him. We are going to miss him so very much. All of our love, Jimmy and Aly

Bill Maloney

September 7, 2008

It was always good to see Ken at Swanborn events. He was a positive and easy-going person. His many performances at clubs like Sinise's Barrel of Laughs and KJ Riddles will live on. And, I enjoyed his letters to the editor over the last couple of years. He wasn't afraid to speak up. Edmund Burke once said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." I'll miss the encouragement and example of this good man who did his part contributing to the world's upside.

Kim Mulvenna

September 7, 2008

Swanee,
This is the first obituary I have read that requests a democratic vote in lieu of flowers. Thus, I will vote democratic this year in your honor. I shall see you in heaven some day.

Nancy Jacobs

September 7, 2008

Another one of Ken's online Democratic friends -- we'll miss you, your views, your humor and your straight talk.

September 7, 2008

My sincere condolences. I sat next to Ken last Tuesday night at work, he was so excited when we received our Oberweiss gift cards because he wanted to take his niece to get ice cream after her next game. We will miss him.
Denny at Heartland Blood Center

Tom Carol & Olivia Schultz

September 7, 2008

Only once in a lifetime do you meet a person like Swannee! I am not sure how I will go through the rest of my days not being able to discuss current events with my compadre. He has been a gift to our family and we will miss his fun loving spirit and laughter. On the day Kenneth passed away the rains would not let up. I thought that The Heavens were so sad that such a great man had been taken from this earth. Later I began to laugh, realizing that they were not sad in The Heavens, they were laughing so hard they were crying because Ken Swann was doing the warm up act for Bernie Mac & George Carlin!! Our prayers go out to Janet and the Stockey & Swanborn families.

Judy Tom Swannee Jim Jeff Nov 06

September 7, 2008

Cindy & Swannee @ Comedy Club Nov 06

September 7, 2008

Carol & Swannee Nov 1990

September 7, 2008

Roseann, Tom & Swannee Dolton Carnival 1993

September 7, 2008

Susan, Roseann & Swannee @ Dolton Carnival

September 7, 2008

Ken Swann @ Comedy Womb 1987

September 7, 2008

Swanne @ Sweetwoods

September 7, 2008

Gene Winters

September 7, 2008

I knew Ken from an online community of Democratic activists. He told us years ago about some skinny guy from Chicago with a funny name, long before the rest of the country knew who he was. We will miss his biting humor and his ability to let you know just how it was. If you were having a disagreement with Ken, you were probably wrong! He was smart and funny, a combination we could use more of in this world.
Ken, we will miss you greatly. You left us way too soon, but we will fight the good fight in your memory and your honor. Godspeed, my friend.

From the Staff of Tews Funeral Home

September 7, 2008

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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