Fred W. Swets

In loving memory of Fred W. Swets Jr. (78) of Divide, Colorado, who passed away in his home surrounded by his family on June 25, 2026.

Fred was born in Hammond, Indiana, on February 12, 1948, to Fred and Minnie (Dykstra) Swets. Fred grew up in Lansing, Illinois, where he attended T.F. South High School and graduated with the Class of 1966.  He joined the Marine Corps in 1967, served in Vietnam, and survived the Siege at Khe Sanh. The men he served with became brothers for life.  He met and married his wife Maureen (Noel) and then raised daughters Noelle and Danielle in Lansing.  He dedicated his career to law enforcement, where helping and protecting others became his life’s work, beginning his career with the Lansing Police Department and ending with Chicago Metra.  

Fred loved road trips, whether with fellow police officers on their motorcycles or with Maureen and family to National Parks. To him, planning a trip was as much fun as actually taking one, and he considered any side road a new adventure.

Fred and Maureen spent the past 26 years living in Highland Lakes, where they met friends that soon became extended family. He looked forward to Final Friday dinners, Thursday breakfasts with the guys, and projects with the ROMEOs (retired old men eating out). Those get-togethers were filled with laughter, stories, and lifelong friendships. 

Fred is survived by his wife, Maureen (Noel) Swets; his daughters Noelle Cope (Bob Jensen-Winkelman) and Danielle Pals (Jason Pals). Grandchildren Willem (Elizabeth) Cope and Nathan Cope. Emma Pals, Evan (Jordan) Pals, and Ryan Pals. Great-grandson Thomas Cope. He is also survived by his sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Please join his family for a ceremony celebrating his life. This will be held at 11 am on July 11, 2026, at The Little Chapel of the Hills Church in Divide, CO. Pastor Mike Kirk will officiate. Reception to follow at the Chapel. He will be buried in the Divide Cemetery.

In memory of Fred, donations can be made in his name to:  Honor Flight of Southern Colorado at: https://www.honorflightsoco.net/donate/donate-form

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