Kenneth Lee Swartz

Kenneth Lee Swartz

October 28, 1941 - November 28, 2025

Kenneth Lee Swartz, 84, of Monroe passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025.

Born on October 28, 1941, in Monroe, Michigan, he was the son of Lee and Angeline (Anast) Swartz.

Ken was a 1961 graduate of Monroe High School. He worked at Ford Motor Company in Monroe for 32 years, retiring in 1997.

On October 8, 1966, Ken married the love of his life, Rose Marie Copi, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together, they shared 59 years of laughter, adventure and deep companionship.

They enjoyed traveling to Florida and Arizona in the Winter – trips Ken especially loved. He discovered his love for Pickleball while in Arizona and brought the sport to Monroe in 2013 when he teamed up with the City of Monroe to open its first-ever Pickleball court. He was proud of that legacy and even prouder to share the game with others.

Ken lived an active, joyful life. He loved riding his bike, bowling, and spending time on the golf course, where one of his favorite stories to tell was the day he hit a hole-in-one. Ken always brought humor, kindness and genuine warmth wherever he went.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife, Rose of Monroe, his son, Stephen Swartz of Monroe, and two daughters, Juliane Hileman (Andrew Davis) of East Peoria, Il and Michelle (Joe) Hochgreve of Monroe. He is also survived by seven grandchildren whom he adored: Brandon (Leah) Swartz, Jacob Swartz, Olivia Swartz, Hailey Hileman, Hayden Hileman, Tristan Hochgreve, and step-grandson, Aidan Davis.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ronald Swartz, and a sister, Sandra Blum.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161, where the Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. He will lie in state Friday, Dec. 5 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 127 N. Monroe St., from 10 a.m. until Mass begins at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Monroe Springs Nursing Home for the tremendous care they gave to Ken. The family is also grateful for the care and compassion provided by the staff at Heartland Hospice of Monroe.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe.

Online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.