Kenneth John Zwaschka

KENNETH J. ZWASCHKA, 85, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, with his family by his side. A visitation will be held at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA, on April 13, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to Parkinson’s charities: American Parkinson Disease Association, Parkinson’s Foundation or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

Kenneth J. Zwaschka was born on October 26, 1940, in Comfrey, MN, he is the son of J. John and Rosalia Zwaschka and is the oldest of their six children. Ken graduated from Comfrey High School and attended St. John’s University where he grew his love of music, playing trombone in the school bands and singing in the choruses. He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Ken worked his entire professional career with the telephone company, first climbing poles all across Iowa for Northwestern Bell and culminating in an engineering position with US West. Restless in retirement, Ken also worked many years at Hy-Vee and McLaren’s Resthaven.

Lifelong friends Dick and Sarah Rabb introduced Ken to his wife Mary Ann (Grant) in Omaha, NE. They were married June 26, 1965, at Corpus Christi Church in Fort Dodge, IA. They raised four sons and relocated the family to West Des Moines, IA, in August 1979.

Ken and Mary Ann were faithful parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines, where they both sang in the choir. Ken also sang with other Drake University and Des Moines choruses and participated in Barbershop for many years. In his 60’s, he performed in a production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at the Des Moines Community Playhouse, appropriately cast as Jacob, a respected father to many sons.

In addition to music, Ken had a great love of sports, including playing basketball and spending hours yelling at refs of all stripes, both through the TV and in person. He loved watching Iowa teams, and always stayed true to his St. Louis Cardinals. In support of his sons, Ken proudly attended innumerable baseball games, track meets, bike competitions, swim meets, soccer matches, dance, theater and music performances.

Ken and Mary Ann traveled together many times with their church group, including to Alaska, many places in Europe and as far away from home as India, where they connected with their “daughter” Amutha. Family trips included many journeys home to “the Farm”, drives down to Texas, and summer vacations at “the Cabin” on Spirit Lake.

Ken is survived by Mary Ann, his loving wife of nearly 61 years, son Steve and his wife Sheryl, and sons Bob and Brian. He is predeceased by his first son Paul. Ken is also survived by his nine grandchildren: Carey, Megan, Ian, Austin, Lochan, Bria, Jagozar, Toban and Jazlo; and his siblings: Marilyn, Diane, Jeanie, Lois and Mike.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate care teams at Walnut Ridge in Clive, IA, and EveryStep hospice for the exceptional care, comfort and kindness shown to Ken and his family.