Kenneth Joseph Swartz

Kenneth Joseph Swartz, 74, of Las Vegas, Nevada was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on Christmas Day 1950. Coincidentally or not, Ken’s life centered around healing, teaching, and interacting with others through his wide-open heart. Ken was an outgoing helper, a people person who wore his heart on his sleeve, sharing himself in conversations and hugs with everyone whose path crossed his.

Ken passed away in Las Vegas on March 19, 2025 after years of working and living as fully as possible since his lymphoma diagnosis in 2008, serving his clients with care, patience, and humor while managing his own health issues. Ken found deep meaning and purpose in his many decades of work as a counselor, first in Minnesota, then in Salt Lake City, and finally in Las Vegas. Ken’s counseling career began with high school and university students, then turned to military veterans and others seeking his advice and support.

Ken grew up on Minnesota’s Iron Range as the eldest of four brothers with physical resemblances but different interests and natures. Ken was raised by his parents, Raymond “Bill” and Jane (Holets) Swartz: a diligent school teacher/army officer father and a mother as outgoing and emotionally expressive as Ken, and like him, a helper.

As a boy, Ken could be a mini-adult or as unruly as his younger brothers. Lessons he taught them included the joys of animal companions, the virtue of frugality, and the importance of staying on-guard for eldest brother terrifying them by springing out of dark closets or basement corners. He once saved his toddler brother Warren from a cracked noggin by basket-catching him after he toppled from the top of basement stairs.

Academia had been a big part of Ken’s life. During high school in Gilbert, Ken was active in vocal and instrumental music, competitive speech, and drama. He sang in choirs throughout his life, and in his teens sang in Biwabik’s Harmony Four gospel quartet. In high school, Ken won a Voice of Democracy speech award and belonged to the National Honor Society. He was proud of having obtained a clinical psychology PhD in mid-life, from Wright State University in Ohio.

Ken treasured his bonds with family, and loved making new connections with people across a wide range of cultures and ethnicities. Ken worked with couples, families, and individuals, including students, LGBTQ individuals, people with severe illnesses and disabilities, and military veterans. Ken honored his Czech roots by meeting and maintaining contact with relatives in the Czech Republic. His many interests and loyalties included his dogs, faith, music, traveling, reading, nature, and Minnesota.

Ken’s nephews and nieces appreciated his interest in their lives and his goofy birthday greetings. Perhaps the best way to remember Ken was expressed by one of his therapy group participants: “His smile and laughter is something I will never, ever forget.”

Ken is survived by his brothers Mark and Warren (Jackie), sister-in-law Pamela, and nieces and nephews April (Jason), Brandon (Amy), Evan (Laura), Kristin (Mike), and Michael (Morgan); a bonus sister, Pat Christie and her offspring in California; beloved great-nephews and nieces; his cherished dogs, Gordo and Dexter; special friends George, Mike, and Victoria; and countless other loving relatives and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Jane, and his brother Lonnie. A celebration of life will be held in Minnesota at a later date.

Ken will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and counseling clients. Wherever Ken’s indomitable spirit goes next, he will surely continue moving hearts and changing lives, or afterlives.