Obituaries/Viewings
Kenneth J. Schwentner | 93
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Kenneth J. Schwentner, 93, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 288 Brandy Camp Circle, Ridgway, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Elk Haven.
He was born April 11, 1931, in St. Marys, son of the late Joseph and Irene Herbstritt Schwentner. He was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1950. He worked in retail most of his life and retired from Burke’s Home Center in 1993.
On May 16, 1953, in Holy Cross Church in Brandy Camp, Ken married the late Helen F. Kline, who preceded him in death on May 13, 2009.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Karen Schwentner (David Nellis) of Port Matilda; two sons, Melvin Schwentner (Vicki Nelson) of DuBois and Alan Schwentner (Cheryl) of St. Marys; five grandchildren: John Schwentner (Madonna), Travis Schwentner (Andrea), Ashley Moyer (Jacob), Shanna Schwentner (Trent), and Dessie Zeek (Jeremiah); six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Noreen Olewnick (Ted) of St. Marys.
In addition to his loving wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Clark; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Schwentner; and his partner of several years, Beverly Bennett.
Kenny, as people affectionately referred to him, loved fly fishing, spending time with family, and watching history on television. He was an active foster parent for many years with his wife, Helen, taking care of over 30 children through the years. He volunteered at the local food bank and was an avid church goer. Kenny was known for being kind, humble, and friendly, and would strike up a conversation with anyone.
A funeral service for Ken will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 11:00AM with Pastor Missy Smith, celebrating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 10:00AM until the time of service.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Elk Having Nursing Home Activities Fund, 785 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to Elk County Children and Youth Advisory Board, 300 Center Street, PO Box 448, Ridgway, PA 15853.
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To the family,
It is with greatest sympathies that I send you my thoughts and prayers in your loss of Kenny. I met him and Beverly when I worked at JCP for many years They were always a bright spot in my day when they came in and a I could help them. I knew Bev had passed and lost track of him. I thought of him often. May God be with you all with peace and comfort. You lost a great man who did bring joy to many.
We got to know Ken through his relationship with my mom, Beverly Bennett. Ken was an absolute joy to know. He touched our lives in so many ways. My kids enjoyed his stories and knowledge of the past. He taught Jacob to tie flies for fishing and took him and Kendrea fishing.They enjoyed long conversations with him. He was always at the ready to help out in any way. We are all blessed to have known him. Rest in peace, Ken.
I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the rest of the family and to his many friends. Kenny was my uncle and I will remember him fondly. He always had a smile on his face and could always put a smile on mine. I will truly miss him.
Mel and Family. I offer my condolences to you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
To Ken’s Family,
When I was in high school (many years ago) I had an after school job at Grants. I remember Ken as one of the nicest, kindest human beings I have ever met. My sympathy to his Family. Rest easy Ken 🙏
We moved into our house in 1988 and Kenny and his wife Helen were our immediate next door neighbor. Our family was so blessed to have such wonderful neighbors! Kenny always had a smile, was full of lively conversation, more than willing to help me with anything, had his patio with he and Helen inviting to me and my three sons and I always knew he was only a phone call away. I missed Kenny very much when he moved to Brandy Camp but I was happy that he was happy. I hope everyone gets to experience a neighbor like Kenny. God’s blessings and peace. Much love and prayers Amy