Kenneth Norman Swenson

Kenneth Norman Swenson, a profoundly admired and cherished figure in the field of banking regulation and risk management, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2026, after bravely battling cancer. Born on July 21, 1967, in Beverly, Illinois, Kenneth's life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his family, career, and community. Kenneth was the beloved son of Ellen and Norman Swenson, both of whom predeceased him. He leaves behind his treasured child, Peter Swenson, who was the light of his life. Kenneth shared many years of marriage with Penny Swenson, with whom he raised Peter, before they amicably parted ways. Kenneth's remarkable academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from The University of Iowa, where he was an active member and leader in the Lambda-Eta Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. His thirst for knowledge led him to the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he earned a Master of Science in Financial Markets & Trading. His education, laden with advanced coursework, laid the foundation for his illustrious career. A certified risk professional and bank auditor, Kenneth was a published author and an internationally recognized expert in operational risk management. Over more than three decades, he held senior roles at esteemed institutions including the Federal Reserve, FHFA, TD Bank, GE Capital, Regions Financial, Ernst & Young, and CRA International. His contributions to the field were not only professional but deeply personal, as he took great joy in mentoring emerging talents. Outside of his professional life, Kenneth was a devoted member of Peace Memorial Church in Palos Park, Illinois. He had a passion for The Beatles and music, finding joy in bringing people together through shared melodies and gatherings. Kenneth's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Paul Reidy, Jennifer Taboada, his TKE brothers, and the compassionate caregivers at Northwestern Medicine Hospice and Pink Angels Home Care for their unwavering support during his final journey. A memorial service to honor Kenneth's life and legacy will be held on September 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Details on the exact location and livestream availability are forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in Washington, DC, in Kenneth’s memory, to continue the fight against the disease that he faced with such courage. Kenneth's spirit and contributions will remain in the hearts of many, continuing to inspire and guide those who knew him.