Harley Kenneth "Ken" Sweitzer

Harley Kenneth Sweitzer ('Ken') was born December 4, 1947, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to Raymond and Ruth (Tokos) Sweitzer. He grew up in Claremont, California, and graduated in 1966 from Claremont High School. In his younger years, Ken had a newspaper route and learned the value of a dollar.
Ken was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and proudly served for two years. For his faithful and honorable service, he earned several medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
In 1972, Ken met the love of his life, Marilyn Scanlon, while attending college at Chaffey in Alta Loma. They were united in marriage on June 24, 1972, and to this union they were blessed with four wonderful children: Robert, Jill, Christian, and Katherine.
Ken finished his electrical apprenticeship in 1977 and worked as a journeyman electrician for twenty years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. After retiring from commercial and industrial electrical construction, he was hired by CalTrans as a maintenance electrician. Ken loved this job, and retired again in 2010.
Ken was always puttering around and working on a project. He could fix everything from automobiles to appliances. Ken loved to garden and was proud of his big vegetable garden and orchard trees. He enjoyed his small hobby farm and working with the beehives in California, then farming on a larger scale in Missouri.
Ken was an avid reader who truly loved history, especially military history. He liked going to museums and loved the adventure of traveling. Most important to him was making memories with his family. He was a proud grandfather. He cherished his grandchildren and adored his great-grandchildren.
Ken believed in the Lord and was a man of faith. He was an active member of the Salem United Methodist Church. Ken loved the community he lived in and proudly helped any way he could.
Ken entered eternal rest August 28, 2023, in Salem, Missouri at the age of seventy-five years. He is survived by his loving wife: Marilyn Sweitzer of Salem, MO; children: Robert Sweitzer and fiancé Crystal of House Springs, MO, Jill Reddell and husband Doug of Auburn, CA, Christian Sweitzer and wife Shannon of Honolulu, HI, and Katherine Malavenda and husband Brett of Puerto Rico; grandchildren: Tony and wife Olivia, Joseph, Luke, Camille, River, Henry, Jameson, and Remington; great-grandchildren: Colton, Blakely, Harley, Raelynn, and Maddie; brothers: Gary Sweitzer and wife Diane, and Raymond Sweitzer and wife Janice both of California; sisters-in-law: Janet Brannan of Salem, MO and JoAnne Know and husband David of Apollo Beach, FL; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends.
Preceding him in death, his parents: Raymond and Ruth Sweitzer.
Ken will be remembered for his tender, candid, gentle, strong, patriotic nature. The love he shared with those around him will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.
Celebration of Life for Harley Kenneth Sweitzer was held Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the Salem United Methodist Church with Pastor Barry Baugh officiating. Special Music was provided by daughter Kate, grandson Luke, and Ed Morris. Congregational Hymn sung was "How Great Thou Art" and additional song selections played were "Sweet Beulah Land" and "I Believe". Military Honors was provided by the U.S. Army Honors Team. Burial was in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Waynesville, Missouri. Arrangements were under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri.
Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Ken to Patriot Paws of Rolla, Missouri or the Salem Area Community Betterment Association.
Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com