Kenneth W. Swartz

Born: 9/17/1943 in Monmouth, IL to Kenneth Earl Swartz and Ruth Evelyn Dressen.

Died: March 12, 2025 at Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown, IA.

Preceded in death by his parents and his wife Julie Savage Swartz, who also passed at Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown 14 years prior.

Left to survive him are his sister Karen Swartz Weltzin and his brother Thomas Earl Swartz as well as his nephews: Tim, Tony, and Robert Weltzin, Brandon and Brian Swartz; niece Angela Weltzin Hill; grandnephews: Tony Cadmus and Conner Weltzin; grandnieces: Ashely Tasler Wright and Delece Weltzin Goshon; and several great nieces & nephews.

Kenneth graduated with the Marshalltown High School Class of 1962. He enjoyed representing the Marshalltown Bobcats on its tennis team. He also played the drums in the MHS Marching Band.

He loved music and taught himself to play the guitar. He played drums and guitar in local country music bands. He also sang in the bands at various local Marshalltown venues before moving to the rural Kansas City Area with his job as an electrical repair specialist for railroad diesel engines at the Union Pacific Railroad.

Ken was skilled in a wide variety of careers having worked as an electrician, factory worker, men's clothing salesman, and longtime Railroad employee for M & St. L, Chicago Northwestern, and Union Pacific Railroads for approximately thirty years.

Kenneth enjoyed hobbies such as building and repairing his own fast cars and was a big fan and advocate for big engines. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time at the rustic family lake cabin in Alexandria, Minnesota.

Over the years Ken volunteered his time to play guitar and sing country western songs for nursing home residents, shut ins, and those spending their last days at Iowa River Hospice and similar venues in Missouri.

Per Kenneth and his family, cremation rites will be accorded. No formal services have been scheduled at this time. A family led Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation. Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown, Iowa has been entrusted with the care of Kenneth and his family. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Lovingly written by his family.