Kenneth Eugene Swanson

Ken Swanson, 77, of West Des Moines, passed away on Saturday June 6, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 13, 2026, at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. A memorial service will start at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be in Resthaven Cemetery immediately following with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations are to go to the YMCA.

He was born on July 25, 1948, to Eugene and Ruth Swanson in Des Moines. He grew up in West Des Moines graduating Valley High School Class of 1967. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Grandview College.

Ken worked for the Des Moines Register as both a Pressman and Pressman Manager. He also worked as a Production Director for the Lansing State Journal during his time in Michigan. Ken was awarded the Gannett President Ring twice in his career. His most recent job had been driving for the Iowa Department for the Blind.

He belonged to Gnemeth Masonic Lodge of West Des Moines. He also belonged to the American Legion Post 12. He was part of the West Des Moines Auxiliary Policeman from 1972 to 1975. Ken volunteered for the YMCA, awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2004.

Outside of serving his community, his other enjoyments in life came from loving his wife, kids, grandchildren and all his friends and family. His Donald Duck voice will live in their memories. Ken also loved playing golf.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Carie (Morrissey) Swanson, his children Chad A. Swanson and Michelle (Nick) Aldrich, his sisters Kendra (James) Kirkpatrick and Karen (Mark) Jackson and his grandchildren Mackenzie K. Swanson, Emily M. Swanson, Nicholas P. Aldrich, Brett C. Aldrich, and Brooklyn B. Aldrich.

He is preceded by his parents Eugene Charles Swanson and Ruth (Crowley) Swanson.

“Always consider the importance of how you will be remembered” was a favorite quote of Ken’s. His other favorite quotes were “Be the moon/reflect the Son” and The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy Name,

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory,

for ever and ever. Amen