Kenneth C. Schwalbach
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ESCANABA — Kenneth C. Schwalbach, age 85, of Escanaba passed away Monday, March 24, 2025 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 26, 1939 in Escanaba, Mich. and was the son of John and Edith Mae (Peterson) Schwalbach. Ken graduated from Escanaba High School in 1957. He married Barbara Schils at St. Thomas Catholic Church on February 28, 1960 and have celebrated 65 years of marriage together this year.
Ken was a builder at heart and began his career with building CAPP Homes and then to Tri-State Homes. In 1965 in Soo Hill out of his garage Ken began crafting beautiful kitchens for his clients which would be the beginning of Schwabach Kitchens which is still in operation today by his son Ken Jr. In 1970 Ken moved Schwalbach Kitchens to Northgate Home Center. The Escanaba location was very successful so Ken decided to open another location in Marquette in 1978. In 1988 Ken acquired the Amana Radar Range franchise and it was so popular that cooking classes were offered to use the new appliances. In 1991 Schwalbach Kitchens moved to downtown Escanaba. In 1993 his son Ken Jr. joined him in the family business and after 10 years sold him the business in 2003. But Ken was not finished yet, he wanted to get back into the home building business and just focus on homes. He continued to sell homes until his retirement at age 82.
He loved lighting a cigar and taking a nice ride, especially through Ludington Park or on his side by side in the fresh air. He could be found watching any sporting event that involved Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Red Wings, Green Bay Packers and especially his grandkids sporting events. Ken loved to sing and quite often he would break out into song at Bishop Noa Home and everyone would join in. He loved life and would say “One Day at a Time” to his family. He was a great man and a hard worker. He always told us “If you work hard, you can play hard,” and he led by example, “The Importance of Family.”
Ken is survived by his wife Barb Schwalbach of Gladstone; daughters Pam (Randy) Tauke of Gladstone, Lynn (Pete) Doberstein of Green Bay, Wis., Shelly (Bill) Wunder of Green Bay, Wis., Leanne (Tony) Vandermissen of Escanaba; son Kenneth, Jr of Escanaba; twelve grandchildren, Courtney (Matt), Kailyn (Joel), Randy Jr.(Melinda), Tony Jr.(Cassey), Katie, Brianne (Ben), Tanner (Sydney), Cody, Gavin, Tucker, Madison, and Alex; 11 great-grandchildren; and brother Tom Schwalbach of Rockford, Ill.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Richard, Jack, Jim, Helen, and Bob Schwalbach.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you for all the love and care he received while Ken resided at Bishop Noa Home.
Visitation will be held from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Kenneth C. Schwalbach will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Father Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services in the Ludington Room located at Anderson Funeral Home. The burial will take place at Gardens of Rest Cemetery on April 8, 2025. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Schwalbach family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.