Kenneth L. Swenka
Cpl (T) U.S. Army
1951-53 Korea
Kenny was born May 18, 1929 in Johnson County on a farm outside of Oxford, IA, the son of Paul & Mary Shebetka Swenka. He was the youngest of nine children. He entered Active Duty May 16, 1951 and served with distinction in the Military Police Company as a Communications Sergeant. Corporal Swenka discharged Honorably May 5, 1953. After completion of his military service obligation, he returned home to begin farming on his parents' farm. On August 3, 1954 he married Helen Ann Hartl. Together they had four children, Judy, Gary, Cindy and Randy. Eventually they acquired a 340-acre farm a few miles from his childhood home, west of North Liberty, IA. In addition to farming, he used his skills gained in the military to do electrical work for many in the rural Johnson County community. He was a very successful business man considering he only had an eighth grade education.
Kenny was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Oxford. Every Sunday morning he would be found singing at mass with the Men's Choir. He also sung at funerals and holiday masses. Kenneth was a member of the North Liberty American Legion. Through the Sam's Club, he assisted in raising funds to sponsor dogs for the deaf.
He passed away on August 2, 1999, the day before his 45th wedding anniversary with Helen.
Medals Earned: Army Commendation Medal with Metal Pendant, Korean Service Medal, & United Nations Service Medal
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