In Remembrance Of
Wendell Swenson
Graveside Service: 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 19th at Star Chapel Cemetery, King City, MO
Wendell George Swenson, 70, of Smithville, MO passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2022.
Wendell was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on February 25, 1951 and is the son of the late George and Mary Swenson of King City, MO. Wendell was a 1969 graduate of King City High School. Shortly after graduation, he married his grade school sweetheart, Alice Faith Ness. Wendell and Alice started their family and eventually settled in the Kansas City area where he worked as a sheet metal laborer for many years. Wendell would eventually retire while residing in Smithville to spend even more time with his family, friends and community. This is also where he would continue his career as a fulltime Grandpa.
Wendell was a servant of God, evidenced every day by his faith, his words and especially his actions towards others. Everyone who knew him has a memory of a time he helped them out, never expecting anything in return. Wendell loved the company of his family and friends and making them laugh came so natural. He never met a stranger and he was a friend to all of God’s creatures. His life wasn’t governed by timelines; he always found time to pet an animal or take a snake to a grandkid’s show and tell. Wendell was a constant presence at all of his grandchildren’s activities and was their biggest supporter. He had a song for every occasion and a Seinfeld quote for every situation. His joy of life was infectious.
Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers, Victor and Walter.
He is survived by his loving wife Alice; his daughter Jennifer, his sons Christopher (Trish) and Jeremy (Christine); his grandchildren Codie (Kendra), Kylie, Cassie, Trevor, Garrett (Aubrey), Tyler, Emma, Noah and Liam; his sister Charlotte; brothers Roy and Virgil (Carolyn), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Wendell is the well-loved Bald Man with a Corgi by his side that will forever be missed.
Services for Wendell will be at Grace Community Church in Smithville, MO on February 25 at 5:30pm. Visitation will follow from 6:30pm till 8pm.
Graveside Service: 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 19th at Star Chapel in King City, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Huntington’s Disease Society of America. This can be done online at http://uppergreatlakes.hdsa.org/swensonmemorial or at the time of the visitation.
Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville
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23 comments
Laura kesler and Nikki Burton
So sorry to hear that this
Anita Downing
I’m so sorry Alice. Wendell will be greatly missed. Although I’ve only known him these last few years, you both were such a blast to be around and who would have known the last time I saw him was-when you both gave me a ride home. So glad to have gotten to know you both. Praying for your family.
Lauri Perkins
Wendell was a great example of God’s Agape Love,
A pure, willful, sacrificial love that desires another’s highest good. He exemplified the fruits of the spirit! Love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control!
My family was blessed to have known him. My heart aches for your loss, but rejoices knowing he is with Jesus.
Jo Wiggins
I remember his smile like it was yesterday and Jenny and I were still in school. My heart goes out to everyone whose heart is breaking over his passing. You are all in my prayers along with Wendell.
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hector and Family
Wendell always greeted us with a warm and welcoming heart. He graciously saved the day for us many times. One time, Dawn asked him for the name of someone who could do a small home project for her. With sparkling eyes and a knowing smile, he winked as he said he had someone in mind. I teasingly asked, “Is this fellow trustworthy?” He said, “Probably not, but we’ll have Alice keep an eye on him.” So of course Wendell stopped by and fixed not only what we’d ask about – but brought extra filters for the furnace and showed how easy they were to install.
But our favorite memory of Wendell is from years ago. Tyler was a little boy catching frogs at a pond. I was babysitting that night and he came home filthy. So I thought a bath before supper would be best. As he came out wrapped in a towel, he said, “Grandma Beckie I’ve got another tick on my tackle” can you get it off? I looked for Crisco shortening thinking I would suffocate the tick and it would just back out. However, Tyler said, “I need to call my Grandpa Wendell. He has tweezers with a light and he knows what he’s doing”. So he called Grandpa Wendell, who said he’d be right over with the lighted tweezer treasure. And, he certainly came right over to our rescue.
We could shared many, many such stories that showed us in a tangible way that Wendell loved his family. He never missed an opportunity to do a random of kindness with a warm reassuring smile, gentle handshakes, hugs and soft words.
Rest in peace Wendell. You have been so very very good to us.
Grandpa Don and Grandma Beckie
Kelly Ratliff Phillips
My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Sue Wrigley
Jenny and family,I am so sorry for your loss.
I know how difficult this is and I am praying for you, that THE ONE who bears our burdens will
bring comfort to you at this time.
Mandy and Ed Grindel
I am so sorry for your loss!! Hugs and prayers to your entire family.
David Smith
Absolutely loved getting to know Wendell. He was a great neighbor and friend to my parents. Watched over them…a great man! Thoughts and prayers with his family during these times. Know how much he meant to many…
Bill Hillix
The Lord’s house has many rooms. Please give Wendell a room with a great view.
paula sharples
I am so sorry for your loss. Wendell was such a great person who was always looking to help others. He was so instrumental in helping my family with HD and all the services available. He will truly be missed. RIP!
Pam
Wendell was a super nice man. His smile and big heart will be missed. Prayers to the family.
Carol J Lee
I will miss his loving and wonderful presence extremely. He was such a loving and generous cousin and friend. Always available to help in all problems. He and his wife were my favorite people.
Rea Lee Claud
Prayers to the family. Wendell never met a stranger. From the moment we met he was so kind. Will be missed by everyone that was fortunate to have met him.
Mike Kanniainen
May all of Wendell’s loved one’s be at peace, the memories will always be in their Heart and never forgotten.
John and Connie Smith
Our support and sympathy at this time of the death for the family and many friends of Wendell Swenson. Our thanks for the wonderfully written obituary for Wendell who truly did not know a stranger and brought laughter with humor to many including us. We will miss Wendell Swenson.
Deborah and Larry Weissman
So sorry for your loss. We are praying and thinking of you during this difficult time. Virgil and Carolyn we are truly sorry for the loss of your brother. May God be with you to ease your pain.
Deborah and Larry
Amy t
So sorry to hear this, my thoughts & prayers are with the family right now. He was an amazing man & will definitely be missed!!!
Duane and Brenda Sander
Our sincere condolences to all of you.
Barbara Marsh
Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
Sandy Haecker (previously Swenson)
I am so very sorry for the loss of Wendell. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. This is so devastating. All my love and hugs to Alice. The obituary says everything to know about Wendell. You were the best and such a wonderful person.….I love you, Wendell, and you will be greatly missed. You are with your Lord and Father now. Rest In Peace.
Kathy and Terry Mcclung
a truly wonderful person, he will be missed by all, sending prayers and love to his family
Mitch and Nicola Mozingo
Although we never met Mr. Swenson, we could tell that he is very much loved and an example for all to follow just by hearing the way Garrett and Aubrey spoke of him. Our condolences to to Mr. Swenson’s family and friends.