Kenneth Dale Swigart (2008)

GILLILAND, IRISH, MCNIECE, SCOTT, SWIGART

Posted By: Shirley Keating
Date: 8/24/2008 at 16:36:52

Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, August 13, 2008

KENNETH D. SWIGART
Union Grove, Wisconsin

Kenneth Dale Swigart, 66, of Union Grove, Wis., passed from the presence of his family into the presence of his Lord, whom he loved and served for many years, on July 30, 2008, after battling ALS for two years. He was born Jan. 1, during the blizzard of ’42 in Winterset, Iowa, to Weldon and Ruth (nee Gilliland) Swigart and was a 1960 graduate of Winterset High School. Following his graduation from Cedarville College in Cedarville, Ohio, in 1964, he married Phyllis (nee Irish) in Gary, Ind.

In 1966, Ken enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in the 5th Army 395th Hospital Evacuation Unit where he served until 1971, and later with the 84th Division Readiness Training Command. He worked for Gary National Bank for nine years, Jasper Savings Bank for a year and one half, Baptist Bible College for nine years, Shepherds Baptist Ministries for 14 years, and then as an investment representative for the last 12 years. Ken was instrumental in founding the Greater Union Grove Community Foundation and served as its first president. He also served as president and member of the Greater Union Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.

For several years Ken was appointed to the 1st District Academy Nomination Advisory Board which reviews those seeking admission to military academies. Ken also enjoyed serving on the boards of Sunshine Gospel, and On Goal Soccer Ministries. Over the years, he was actively involved at Union Grove Baptist Church, Fellowship Baptist Church of Racine, and most recently, Racine Bible Church.

He was a hardworking man, who gave credit to his parents for his work ethic and was a faithful husband, loving father and “Papa.” Ken, a trustworthy friend, loved by many, humbly strove to consistently and wholeheartedly please his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In July 2007, Ohio State University approved naming the motion analysis/biomechanics laboratory in Dodd Hall in their medical center the Ken Swigart Human Motion Translational Laboratory. Ken and his friend, Ty Bryant, had established a company that manufactured devices to make life easier for those with stroke and spinal cord injuries. Ty Bryant committed to fighting ALS, believing that by studying the gait and movement of ALS patients, they could learn more about the disease and help eradicate it. He also was instrumental in raising funds for the cause.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Phyllis (nee Irish); his three children — Roger (Meghan) Swigart, Lora (Matthew) Scott, and James Swigart; his parents, Weldon and Ruth (nee Gilliland) Swigart; three grandchildren; two brothers, Rev. Earl (Eleanore) Swigart of Stevens Point, Wis., and Marvin (Faye) Swigart of Parker, Colo.; and many nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother, Glen David Swigart, and his parents-in-law, James and Marjorie (nee McNiece) Irish.

The funeral service was held Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, at Racine Bible Church, 12505 Spring St., Sturtevant, Wis., 53177 with Pastor Spencer DeBurgh officiating. Burial was at West Lawn Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were handled by Miller-Reesman Funeral Home, Union Grove (878-2500). Memorial services also were held Tuesday morning in the home of Ken’s parents in rural Creston. Rev. Charles Hawkins of Mt. Ayr presented the message, with eulogy by Ken’s cousin, Marian Jennings.

In lieu of flowers, Ken requested memorials be given to On Goal Soccer Ministries, 3668 Merwin Ten Mile Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45245 or Racine Bible Church (music ministry).

The family extends sincere thanks to the many friends who so faithfully assisted and encouraged Ken with love, care, and concern. God is good!