Joel "Jr" Swartz

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Joel R. (JR) Swartz, a man of great humor and tender love. JR was born to parents Lois and Robert Swartz on January 11, 1965, and entered into eternal life on Sunday, January 3, 2021 after 55 years of adventures as a loving family man and loving friend.


JR grew up in Kankakee, Illinois where he attended and graduated from Westview High School and met the love of his life, Karen Swartz (Kendregan) and married in 1983. In that same year, he enlisted in the US Air Force where he served his country for 10 years. After honorably serving his country, he then continued his career as a Government Contractor for 26 years. In 2007, he and his family moved to the Northwoods of Wisconsin where he built his dream home and later opened his own computer business, Northern Computer Service, LLC.


JR was extremely proud of the work he did and the business he created, but even more proud of his family who loved him dearly. He loved spending quality time with his family and grandkids. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors and on the water at his favorite lake, Little Arbor Vitae fishing for bass and astronomy.


He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Swartz (Kendregan) of Arbor Vitae, daughter Amanda Francis (Dan) of Davenport, Iowa, son Robert Swartz (Jessa) of Wausau, mother Lois Swartz of Arbor Vitae, and sisters Tracy Kinkade (Steve) of Indianapolis and Jill Jankovich (Gary) of Arbor Vitae. He is also a very proud grandfather of Henry (3), Gibson (1), Everly (3) and Carson (1).


He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Allen Swartz, his paternal grandparents Milford and Laura Swartz, and maternal grandparents Donald and Gwyneth David.


The passing of JR has broken the hearts of so many family and friends who will never be the same without him. We are so grateful and blessed to have had the 55 years we had with him. JR will be missed by all and forever loved.


Service will be held on Saturday, January 9th, and open to the public from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm at Nimsgern Funeral Home of Woodruff, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Howard Young Foundation-Community Care Fund in Joel Swartz’s name. Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Nimsgern Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.