Kenneth “Kenny” Lee Schwenker, 66, of West Burlington died suddenly of Heart Failure Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at the Great River Medical Center Emergency Department in West Burlington.
Born April 28, 1953 in Burlington, Iowa he was the son of Robert “Bob” Lee and Bernice Violet (Geffers) Schwenker. He married Elizabeth Callaway October 18, 1975 in Burlington. She passed away December 15, 2002. He married Diane Miller on July 11, 2015 in Danville.
Ken was a graduate of Burlington High School 1971 and attended SCC and was later honored as a distinguished alumnus. He then backpacked through Europe before returning to the family business.
Ken was current President and owner of Standard of Beaverdale, his family business and worked there for his entire lifetime.
He was a member of St. Luke United Church of Christ.
Kenny enjoyed spending time with family, baking & eating sweets and woodworking. He had a very positive attitude for his community and was very involved in and supported many community events. He loved SCC basketball & Fireworks.
Survivors include his wife Diane of Burlington; two children, Katherine A. Schwenker of Burlington and David R. (Barbara Becker) Schwenker of Clive, Iowa; step-children Ben (Diana) Dobson of West Burlington, Sarah Krabill of Ozark, MO, Kyle (Nicole) Dobson of Burlington, Rachel (Matt) Vandevoort of Ozark, MO and Mallory (Justin) Jennings of Burlington; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Dan (Debra) Schwenker of Burlington, Greg (Brenda Smith) Schwenker; two sisters, Brenda Carson and Sharon (Tony) Ashby of West Burlington and by a large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, his parents and one grandson.
The private graveside committal service for Ken will be Tuesday, April 7, 2020.
Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time. A celebration of Life will be at a later date.
A memorial has been established for Hospice House and Greater Burlington Sports Foundation for the Future Gymnasium Project.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com
Holly Ann Christe Mills, 57, of New London, died Thursday, April 2, 2020 at University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City due to complications of heart disease. She was born in Burlington on February 8, 1963 to George E. and Mary A. Seeger Christe. She married Jim Mills in New London; they later divorced.
Holly was a 1981 graduate of New London High School and attended Southeastern Community College and Iowa Wesleyan College, majoring in English and minoring in history. She and Mary Glass owned a resale shop; worked at Becker’s Jewelers; managed the shoe department at Walmart and did housecleaning. She made and sold jewelry and tie dye shirts until her health declined. She enjoyed concerts, traveling and especially spending time with her grandson, Ethan.
Besides her parents, Holly is survived by her son Whitney Mills of Orlando, Florida; daughter Kayla (Ryan) Utter of Altoona, Iowa; grandson Ethan; brother Todd Christe of New London; three nephews and one niece. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and her sister Julie in infancy.
According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and a family gathering will be held later this summer, due to Governor Kim Reynolds executive order prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people during the Covid-19 health crisis.
A memorial has been established to have a tree planted in her name.
Elliott Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.
