Ronald Eric Swensson joined his Heavenly Father on March 1, 2024. Ron
was born August 1, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Michigan,
attended Howe Military Academy for high school and graduated with
honors. Ron proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps
during Vietnam; completing three tours of duty, Ron was awarded the
following medals and commendations: National Defense Service Medal,
Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Expert Badge –
Rifle, and the Presidential Unit Citation. After returning home from his
duties in Vietnam, Ron met the love of his life Karen Marie – in Ann Arbor,
Michigan.
Ron married Karen Herholtz in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 20,
1969. After tying the knot with Karen, he graduated from Western Michigan
University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. They were happily
married for fifty-four years. They had two children: Julie (Patrick) Prutsman
of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and Eric (Jenny) Swensson of Littleton,
Colorado. Ron also had two treasured grandchildren: Ethan and Hanna,
both of Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Surviving family members include his
beloved sister, Barbara Jo Starr of Grosse Pointe, Michigan and nieces and
nephews in Colorado and Michigan.
During his lifetime, Ron loved skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, reading, and
relaxing by the water – preferably at the beach. He thoroughly enjoyed
sharing his passions with family and friends. He taught Julie and Eric
beginning at age 3 how to ski. Boating with Ron was thrilling on his sailboat
and his cabin cruiser. Favorite destinations were Lake Michigan, Lake Erie
en route to Cedar Pointe, Lake Powell, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Ron was an active supporter of Elks of America, Vietnam Veterans, The
Masons and Shriners, and The American Legion.
Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Naples Funeral Home
located at 3107 Davis Blvd., Naples, Florida 34105 on March 11, 2024.
Placement scheduled at 1:00 PM at the Sarasota National Cemetery with
full military honors on March 12, 2024. Sarasota National Cemetery is
located at 9810 State Road 72 Sarasota, FL 34241.
Contributions to your favorite charity in Ronald’s name are welcomed.
Jill and Gil Coale
March 4, 2024, 6:51 pm
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We are glad that we were able to spend a little time at the Elks in Naples with Ron.
He will be missed.
Rich and Ginny Marasco
March 5, 2024, 7:09 pm
We were saddened to hear of Ron’s passing when we received Karen’s call. Ron and Karen have been wonderful friends since we met through our dogs, when they moved here to Naples. We will miss Ron’s wit, warm and friendly smile, and the pleasant evenings we shared breaking bread. Ron was a true patriot who loved his country along with his family and friends. We’ve lost one of the “Good Guys”. Rich and Ginny Marasco
Nancy and Tom Bruscino
March 7, 2024, 2:43 pm
We were so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.