Kenneth “Kenny” Dale Schwartz (63), passed away on Oct. 22nd, 2021, after battling several illnesses for many years which stemmed from his service during Desert Storm, in his home in Wichita, Kan. He was born May 1st, 1958 in Great Bend, Kan. to Maurice and Bernita Marie “Pfeifer” Schwartz. He married Dawn Reed on June 21st, 1980 in Great Bend.
Kenny graduated from Great Bend High School in 1978. After high school, he enlisted in the National Guard Reserve, and he completed his training at Fort Sill, Okla. He remained in the National Guard Reserve until 1987. In 1987, he joined the Army Reserve, and in December of 1990 he was deployed as part of Operation Desert Storm. While a member of both Reserve units, he worked at Guthrie Trailers as a welder and mechanic, and later, worked at A1 Trucking in the same capacity. He was also a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).
In his younger years, Kenny enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting pool, working on cars, and building things around the house. As his kids grew, he loved watching his sons become champion wrestlers, his daughter play volleyball and cheer, and cheering on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs. He also enjoyed watching his grandsons participate in wrestling, football, and soccer.
He is survived by wife, Dawn of Wichita; two sons, Justin Schwartz and wife Talaya of Wichita, Devin Schwartz and wife Kim of Tulsa, Okla.; one daughter, Shayla Duerfeldt and husband Matt of Manhattan, Kan.; six brothers, Bob Schwartz and wife Barb of Great Bend, Duane Schwartz of Grand Island, Neb., Danny Schwartz of Great Bend, Bill Schwartz and wife Jaynee of Great Bend, Kevin Schwartz of Great Bend, and Keith Schwartz and wife Kay of Salina; three sisters, Kathy Pedigo and husband Don of Great Bend, Elaine Miller and husband Craig of McPherson, and Pam Stegman and husband Tom of Yukon, Okla.; four grandsons Jett (15), Jace (13), Jaxx (8), and Kenneth Maxwell “Max” (2). Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and B. Marie Schwartz; and sister in-law Dianne Schwartz.
There will be a Memorial Service at the Knights of Columbus, located at 723 Main St. in Great Bend, on Nov. 13th, from 1- 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any contributions be made to Freedom Cemetery, 1445 Red Bluff View, Freedom, OK 73842 c/o Randy Reed, or the Paralyzed Veterans of America, in Kenny’s name, at https://secure.pva.org/.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 27, 2021
