Kenneth Swartzendruber

Kenneth Duane Swartzendruber, a longtime resident of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Etta (Neis) Swartzendruber; his wife, Melva (Vrchoticky) Swartzendruber; his brothers, Lydon and Budrow Swartzendruber; and his sister, Barbara Pattison. He is survived by his four children: Crystal (Alan) Lane of Bryceville, Florida; Kenneth (Terri) Swartzendruber of Frederick, Maryland; Curt (Patricia) Swartzendruber of Canton, Georgia; and Kimberly (Troy) Haltiwanger of Jacksonville, Florida. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Ellen Kapp of Iowa City, Iowa.

Kenneth was born on September 9, 1939, in Wellman, Iowa, where he was raised. From an early age, he showed a strong curiosity about the wider world and a desire for exploration that would guide his life.

Kenneth proudly served in the United States Navy from 1956 until his retirement in 1977, attaining the rank of Electrician’s Mate Chief Petty Officer. In 1972, while serving aboard the USS Davis (DD-937), he received the Combat Action Ribbon for outstanding performance and professionalism while participating in combat operations off the coast of North Vietnam. He was formally commended for his outstanding execution of basic fundamentals, demonstrated self-discipline, and care for his shipmates. During his naval career, he also received multiple Good Conduct Medals and the Vietnam Service Medal. Prior to his retirement, he was awarded the Admiral Zumwalt Award for Excellence in Housing and Lodging Management, recognizing his leadership and dedication to service.

Kenneth pursued higher education following his naval career and graduated from Florida Junior College at Jacksonville on August 6, 1982, earning an Associate of Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology. He later owned and operated West-Tek, Inc., in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, repairing railroad signal equipment. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Navy Fleet Reserve.

His passion for exploration extended beyond the Navy and into aviation. Kenneth took his first solo flight on September 29, 1967, and obtained his private pilot’s license on January 14, 1968. He later became a certified flight instructor, flying out of Iowa City Municipal Airport. He also carried a lifelong love of classic western films, first developed in boyhood and later shared as a projectionist at various naval base theaters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Powell Funeral Home in Wellman, Iowa, with Rev. Lisa Crow officiating. Burial will follow in the Wellman Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial gifts may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and the American Cancer Society. Powell Funeral Home of Wellman is caring for Kenneth and his family.

Kenneth will be remembered as a devoted servant to his country, a man drawn to challenge, discovery and education, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.