Kenneth Norman Swenson
September 28, 2026 – 11:00am cst
Kenneth “Ken” Norman Swenson passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 59 years old.
Born on July 21, 1967, at Holy Cross Hospital on Chicago’s South Side, Ken grew up in the Chicago area and carried with him throughout his life the values of loyalty, friendship, hard work, and kindness that defined his character.
Ken was the beloved son of Norman Swenson and Ellen (Michalovitz) Swenson. He was preceded in death by his father, Norman, on August 12, 2023, and his mother, Ellen, on February 8, 2024. He is survived by his son, Peter Swenson, who was his greatest joy and pride of his life; his sister, Karen Swenson; and a wide circle of relatives, friends, colleagues, and fraternity brothers who will deeply miss him.
A lifelong learner, Ken graduated in 1985 from Homewood-Flossmoor High School before attending the University of Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. While at Iowa, he became a devoted member of the Lambda-Eta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity, forming life-long friendships and bonds of brotherhood that remained among the most meaningful relationships of his life. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Financial Markets and Trading from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Ken built a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in banking regulation, risk management, and financial services. A Certified Risk Professional and respected Large Financial Institution Examiner, he served in senior roles with the Federal Reserve, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, TD Bank, GE Capital, Regions Financial, Ernst & Young, and CRA International. An internationally recognized expert in operational risk management and a published author, he was known not only for his expertise but also for his willingness to mentor others, share his knowledge, and help colleagues succeed.
While Ken was proud of his professional accomplishments, those who knew him best will remember him for the way he made people feel. He possessed a rare generosity of spirit and a genuine interest in others. Whether among family, friends, colleagues, or strangers, Ken had an extraordinary ability to bring people together, build lasting friendships, and bring out the best in everyone he met.
Music was one of Ken’s greatest passions. He loved playing the piano and curated an extensive music collection over the years. He found immense joy in discovering new artists, revisiting old favorites, and sharing music with friends and loved ones. He was especially fond of The Beatles, whose music provided a lifelong soundtrack to many cherished memories. Ken also enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Cubs, quoting scenes from The Godfather films, and enthusiastically introducing others to the virtues of Cavender’s Greek Seasoning. His wit, warmth, and unique sense of humor became hallmarks of every gathering he attended.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Paul Reidy, Jennifer Taboada, Ken’s TKE brothers, and the compassionate caregivers and staff of Northwestern Medicine Hospice and Pink Angels Home Care for their support, kindness, and care throughout his final journey.
Ken leaves behind a legacy of friendship, generosity, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved. His influence will continue to be felt in the lives he touched, the friendships he nurtured, and the memories he created. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. All arrangements entrusted to Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc. 816/260-0668 or Orricofuneral@comcast.net
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