Kenneth Schweda

Kenneth T. Schweda, age 84, proud US Navy Veteran. Beloved husband for 40 years to Beverly, nee Henschel. Loving father of Kenneth (Andie) Schweda, Karen (Rob) Legreid, Paula Berto, Peter (Jennifer) Schweda, beloved cat, Kenusha, and step-father of Curt J. Grigas (beloved partner Jeannie) and Gina (Brian) Furlong. Cherished grandfather of Alex (Melissa) Legreid, Brandon (Rachel) Legreid, Carl (Rebekkah) Schweda, Bryn Schweda, Erin Schweda, Luca Berto, Rosetta Berto, Giovanni Berto, Milo Schweda, Lucy Schweda, Curtis (Liz) Grigas, Jessica (Joel) Nagle, Stephanie (Angelo) Garcia, Samantha Furlong and Shannon Furlong. Dearest great-grandfather of Keegan Garcia, Cami Grigas, Marley Grigas, McKenna Nagle, Locklain Nagle and Percy Schweda.

Ken Schweda was deeply proud of his service in the U.S. Navy. Having served on several ships, USS Lake Champlain, the USS Independence, the USS Saratoga and later on the USS Farmington, Ken enjoyed attending many reunions throughout his life with his beloved wife, Beverly.

Ken grew up in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago, attended Gage Park High School for two years and joined the Navy with his mother’s blessing at the age of 16. Ken was fairly artistic and after working in the factory at Rheem Manufacturing Company, he was promoted to a draftsman, then salesmen all the way to leadership. In his early years, Ken lost an eye due to a factory accident. So, if the family ever wanted to get Ken’s goat, they stood on his bad side, which actually worked quite well to add levity.

Ken's first marriage to Joanne produced four children, Ken, Karen, Paula and Peter. After his marriage to Beverly, with whom he just celebrated a 40th wedding anniversary, Ken was blessed to add two other children, Curt and Gina. Ken and Beverly loved to travel the world and had a map in their basement to note each and every adventure. Beverly, a spectacular painter, captured many of those memories in beautiful paintings around their home.

In his later years, Ken lost his ability to walk but that didn’t stop him from exercising. He always kept fit and maintained that naval discipline to the end. At Bickford, his final home, he got visits from all his family including some truly young ones who brought such incredible joy. Just ask the residents who got to meet Keegan, McKenna and Locky.

He is deeply missed by his entire family including many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would be remiss if we failed to mention the love of Ken’s life, Kenusha, his beloved cat. Look at any picture of dad and Kenusha and you could clearly see how he so deeply loved her.

May dad be eating candy, devouring ice cream, playing four kings and winning bingo up in paradise!

Visitation Monday, October 14, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6850 W. 159th St., Tinley Park, IL from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Trinity Lutheran School, 6850 W. 159th St., Tinley Park, IL 60477 are appreciated.
Click here for online donation and designate "Day School"

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400