Kenneth Swanson

Kenneth Bruce Swanson age 76 of Bannister, Michigan went to his heavenly home Friday, June 1, 2018, at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital, Lansing, Michigan.
Ken was born in Pontiac, Michigan on November 2, 1941, the son of Rexford R. and Twila D. (Brugger) Swanson. He drew on his hard work ethic that was garnered from a childhood on a dairy farm in Elsie. He was a graduate of Chesaning High School in 1960. He went on to receive his MBA from Northwestern University in 1982. He was a member of the Bannister United Methodist Church and numerous agricultural organizations.
Ken was a man of integratory and it showed through his family, his many business ventures and his love of agriculture. In 1963 he married Janet Kay Maynard in Chapin Michigan and in 1968 together they started Shady Lawn Farms.
He worked for Midland Ross for 22-years retiring as vice president and general manager. Putting his financial background to work Ken started SLF Management Services and operated it out of the farm office. Ken & Janet retired to Traverse City in 2008. At that time Ken was invited be to the CEO of Shoreline Fruit. Retiring once again in 2012. In 2016 they returned to the Bannister area to live near the family farm.
Funeral Services will be held at East Washington United Brethren Church, Ashley, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 4, 2018, with Pastor Jeff Reser officiating. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018, 3-7 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI and one hour before the service at East Washington United Brethren Church.
Ken is survived by his wife: Janet of Bannister, MI; son: Timothy and Audrey Swanson of Bannister, MI; daughter: Karmen and Chad Bush of West Olive, MI; 4 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren, 1 sister: Gloria Hackett of Lansing, MI; 1 brother: Dave and Sherry Swanson of Oklahoma. He is also survived by several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sister, and brother in law: Elaine & Dave Henderson.
In lieu of flowers, consider your local CROP Hunger Walk, or make checks payable to Commercial Bank, 101 North Pine River, Ithaca, Michigan 48847 in the Memory of Ken Swanson to be used for local family’s emergency needs. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan