Kenneth L. Swartzentruber Sr.

Kenneth Lee (Kenny) Swartzentruber, 78, of Montgomery, Indiana passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024 as he was fishing, doing exactly what he loved. He was an avid fisherman, and spent many days of his life on the water. How fitting that he took his last breath while doing one of the things he loved most.
Kenny was born on October 28, 1945. He had an incredible work ethic and spent his entire life working hard. He started working out at the age of 14 as a farmhand for Bob Boyd. From there he went to work for Harry Knepp for a total of 21 years, later becoming manager over Hillcrest Farm Supply. In addition, he tried his own hand at farming. He did a short stint of driving a mail truck to St. Louis during the night hours among other odd jobs to keep his family afloat. In 1984, he joined his brother-in-law John Lengacher Jr. in a partnership at Daviess County Metal Sales, and together they built it into a thriving construction business of over 125 employees and three manufacturing divisions. In 1996, he and other investors turned his father's farm into what is now Country Oaks Golf Club. In addition, he and investors built the Baymont Inn. He was also instrumental in bringing GPC to Washington, and with a partner's help, provided the warehousing they needed. In his retirement years, he loved to tinker with his excavating and farming equipment. He wintered in Sarasota, Florida, where he loved to fish and visit friends and family in the unique community that Pinecraft, Sarasota is. Whatever his mode of transportation was down there (three-wheeled bike, golf cart, and later his motorized scooter), he loved to find people and play cards. He was a gentle soul, and a delight to know. He lived out Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
In his success, he remained humble and generous toward all. He hated the spotlight and dodged it aggressively. He worked in generous ways behind-the-scenes, where he thrived, and many people were the recipients of his generous heart. He will be most greatly missed.
Kenny loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and he attended Providence Mennonite Church for the last ten years, and became a member there last summer. Prior to that he was a long-standing member of Bethel Mennonite Church, leaving only to follow his preacher-son to Providence. His relationship with the Lord gave him such peace, and his life was a testament to his faith in the shed blood of Christ and the hope of resurrection to eternal life.
Kenny's family meant the world to him. He loved his wife Elizabeth (Lengacher) Swartzentruber of nearly 59 years. His three boys were his greatest earthly achievement and he was so proud of all of them. His grandchildren were his joy and delight and he loved to be near them.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, his children, Kenneth (Patricia) Swartzentruber Jr., Donald (Shirley) Swartzentruber, Kevin (Amanda) Swartzentruber, his grandchildren, Kendrick (Kelci) Swartzentruber, Collin (Jess) Swartzentruber, Bethany Swartzentruber (with special friend, Nate Reynolds), Kaitlyn (Cody) Keith, Lance (Jean) Swartzentruber, Kiah (Micah) Sydow, Ellie Swartzentruber (with fiancé Hunter Russell), Ava Swartzentruber, Kari Swartzentruber, Margo Swartzentruber, Judah Swartzentruber, Thad Swartzentruber, Zeke Swartzentruber, and his great-grandchildren, Anna Swartzentruber, Oliver Swartzentruber, Carter Swartzentruber, and a new little great to be born in a few weeks, which he would have loved meeting.
Kenny is also survived by his siblings, Merv (Janet) Swartzentruber, Fred (Gaya) Swartzentruber, Mary Lou (Marv) Knepp, PJ (Terri) Swartzentruber, Sue (Vaughn) Graber, sister-in-law Orpha Stutzman and brother-in-law Lynden Miller.
Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth (Stoll) Swartzentruber, siblings Kurt (Orpha) Swartzentruber, Donna Jean (Jay) Crisenbery, Shirley (Lynden) Miller, and brother-in-law Jay (Donna Jean) Crisenbery.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM at Providence Mennonite Church, Montgomery, Indiana and again on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.
A celebration of Kenny's life will be held on Thursday June 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Providence Mennonite Church, Montgomery, Indiana. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:
Daviess County 4-H or
Our Community Foundation (localforever.org)
Online condolences can be made at www.blakefuneralhomes.com.
Blake & Wagler Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Kenny Swartzentruber.