Kenneth “Ken” Swenson, 74, of Kewaskum, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Born on December 27, 1951, to Roy and Adeline Swenson, Ken followed in his father’s footsteps and devoted his life to education. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1970 and earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. Ken spent more than 30 years with Milwaukee Public Schools, where he worked in cooperative education, business careers, and sports marketing. He cared deeply about learning and took great pride in helping his students prepare for the lives and careers ahead of them.

Ken was an educator both inside and outside the classroom. He always had a fact to share, an opinion to offer, or a story ready for the occasion. Beneath his strong-minded and wonderfully distinctive personality was a man who loved his family deeply. Ken cared greatly for his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. He showed that love in his own special ways: clipping an article or picture he thought someone would enjoy, tucking an old photograph or shared memory into the mail, or simply being present when he sensed he was needed.

Ken and his wife, Cindy, shared a deep love for their dogs. Over the years, their dogs were never merely pets; they were family, deeply loved and thoroughly cherished. After retiring, Ken and Cindy made their home on a beautiful property in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, where Ken found endless opportunities to enjoy the natural world he treasured. He loved wildlife photography and art, and he was happiest sitting on the deck with Cindy and a beloved dog nearby, watching the deer, raccoons, squirrels, and seemingly countless varieties of birds that visited their land. Family and friends who joined them were often invited to slow down and appreciate whatever might appear in the yard that day.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Adeline Swenson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy Swenson; his siblings, Jerry (Becky) Swenson, Susan (Richard) Samplaski, Nancy (Lee) Garrett, and Jim (Judy) Swenson; and his many nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:45 p.m. at Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 West Washington Street, West Bend, Wisconsin 53095. A memorial service will begin at 5:00 p.m. led by Reverend Eric Kirkegaard from Peace UCC in Kewaskum.