Miss my wonderful friend Ken~ love him 😍

My name is Kenneth also ...and at 15  in Ventura California, I got into some trouble The judge told me i could just sit in juvenile hall watch TV and learn nothing or there's program across the street from juvenile Hall,COLSTON YOUTH CENTERpp0 where you can work on yourself. I didn't have a choice between the two he made it for me I was to go there for 4 months that turned into 10 and a half because I didn't follow direction and so I really did need to work on myself. Ken schwartzenberger  was my counselor, he taught me so much about myself ,how I think, how to interact with people, I am 53 now. He taught me so much and gave me the tools that helped me navigate through life.... Priceless.

Ken was a wonderful colleague and co-therapist at Interface in Newbury Park and also at Colston Youth Center in Ventura. We worked together for many years, and he was delightfully insightful in his work with troubled children. I am certain he will be sorely missed by all. 

Lisa Kurth, Ph.D. 
Fort Collins, CO.

Ken was my supervisor,  my mentor,  my friend.  He helped me through so many difficult moments professionally and personally.  He taught me so much,  I  can't thank him enough.  I am so grateful he was in my life,  he made it so much brighter.  Peggy thank you for sharing him with us, my deepest condolences to you and your  family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you,  sending you a big hug!




There is not a day that I walk into my play therapy room and miss Ken, my mentor. I ask myself often, “ what would Ken do”?  I miss him every day. 
Cindy Reis, LMFT, RPT-S

 We were so saddened to hear the news about Ken's passing.  I have so many fond memories of Ken (& of course Peg & Justin):  from our years in Ann Arbor, to my visits to their homes in Colorado & to their visits to me & my family during our vacations in Siesta Key Florida.
Peg - Suzy & I wish you the very best.
Love, Grant & Suzy Winston

As I grappled with the idea that this is real....as the next day we were scheduled to talk came and went, as I processed the idea of not having the opportunity to say"good bye," I came to this realization.


Ken never squandered an opportunity to tell you how he felt about you. He always had the most beautiful way of sharing how special you were to him. How much he appreciated you and in return left you feeling so loved and cared for.  I miss him dearly. He's been my guide, my light, my anchor for over 7 years.  I am grateful to have experienced his teachings at UCSD and the opportunity to have him as my clinical supervisor. I admired him and aspire to live his teachings.  He lived what he preached. I feel privilegd to call him a friend and to have had the time we had together.  Ken, thank you for believing in me I miss you. I love you.  

As Mr Rogers would say:


Ken was one of the most influential and valued people I have known. When I started Family Care Network in 1987, I struggled to put my vision in place until I hired Ken as our clinical director in 1988 - what a blessing that was! He and I had a shared vision for what therapeutic foster care (TFC) could be; ushering in a whole new, better way to serve traumatized children in California. Over time,  our TFC program became a state and federal model program.  Ken's passion, imagination, and skill made an indelible impact, benefitting so many kids. For seven years Ken and I had an amazing, innovative partnership as we forged new programs for children!

I will always be indebted to Ken, and appreciative of his integrity, love for children,  impeccable skills, leadership, intuition, and passion. His life is truly one to celebrate, having benefitted the lives of thousands of kids and families. Bravo brother, job well done!

It is with a heavy heart that I write this memory. 

Ken has been a constant in my life for over 40 years. Ken, Peggy, and Justin started out as our neighbors in Colorado when I was just 2 years old.  After Ken and Peggy moved to Ventura, our family came for a visit and fell in love with the town. In just a few short years, my family had made their way from Colorado to Ventura and we were once again neighbors. We had many good times together from Ventura, San Luis Obispo, to Long Beach. Growing up I remember Ken, Justin, and my dad playing basketball in the backyard (or front yard or anywhere there was a hoop) whenever they had a chance. 

All the way into adulthood, Ken was always curious and interested in what I was doing, what sports or activities I was playing, and where my work and career was taking me. He was kind hearted, curious, and thoughtful. He will be dearly missed and I seek comfort in this poem as I think about how he would have liked to be remembered. 

Afterglow
I'd like the memory of me
to be a happy one
I'd like to leave an afterglow
of smiles when the day is done
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways
of happy times and laughing time 
and bright and sunny days
I'd like the tears of those who grieve 
to dry before the sun 
of happy memories I leave behind- when day is done 
- Annett S Hughes 

I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember when he was born, it was exciting to have a new cousin and a shock to hear of his death.  I wish you strength in the days ahead. 
Marlene Sutliff 

A TRIBUTE TO KEN

Such a beautiful Soul, our longtime Friend
Many journeys together
Hoping there was no end.

So many Pearls of (shared) Wisdom 
Running through our heads
We wish So Much you were here with us instead!

Upon Reflection, we have come to the Realization
That “Our Basket of Life” is full …
Great memories of Love, Shared Times and Conversation!

Although right now everything is Still and our Hearts are Broken
We know your advice would be to Hold each other close, 
Take care of each other and Leave our Hearts Open.

So with tears in our eyes
We look to the Sky
To say a peaceful Good-Bye.

As time goes on, we will get Stronger
But wish, dear Ken, you had been able to
“Stay Just a Little Bit Longer” 
So we could ”Play Just a Little Bit Longer.” JB

With Love, 
Carol and Joe


Ken was my clinical supervisor at The Guidance Center in Long Beach, CA from 2004-2006.  It was my first job out of graduate school.  Ken taught me so much about working with children and families. He was always kind, caring, and patient. He guided and supported me in my early days as a family therapist.  I am honored to have known him professionally 
and I am grateful to have learned from him.  Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time.

My best friend for 40 plus years.  Ready for some hoops and a beer.  LOVE the beach Birneys 

Peggy, we are so very sorry to hear about Ken’s passing.  Sending prayers to you and the family.   Love, Darrell and Susan 

My prayers are with you Peggy and your son and daughter in law. Praying God will get you all through this. Hugs. Patty and Vince Sidoti 

Dear Peggy and family, We pray that your memories with Ken will hug you and bring you peace. Love,  Bill, Bob and Cindy. 

I'm so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Ken well, but I knew how kind, friendly, and willing to help he was whenever I saw him. I truly appreciate all of the work he did and everything he accomplished at Manor Club.

Sincerely, 
Geralyn M Schneider 

OBITUARY

Kenneth Joseph Schwartzenberger

7 November, 1950 – 25 November, 2022

Kraeer Funeral Home & Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens

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