Kenneth Schwinden
May 1, 1937 ~ October 4, 2017
Kenneth Schwinden, 80, Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Ken was born on May 1, 1937 to Moritz and Agnes (Kluck) Schwinden in Fargo, ND. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary and Shanley High School. He married Norma Hebert on June 6, 1964 and they raised four children: Craig, Fargo, Janet (Robert) Feil, Arvada, CO, Doug, Fargo, Jennifer (Matthew) Scott, Chandler, AZ.
Ken was very active in fastpitch softball as a player and an official. He was a bowler and very proud of the 300 game he rolled. Ken also spent many years officiating softball, baseball, football and basketball.
He was inducted into the N.D. Amateur Softball Assn. Hall of Fame in 1984. He received the same honor from the F-M Bowling Assn. Hall of Fame in 1989.
Ken is survived by his wife Norma, four children and a granddaughter, Jordan Feil. He leaves behind a sister: Elaine Cihak, Fargo, ND, a brother: Donald (Patricia), Fargo, ND, a brother: Morrie (Cathy), Fargo, ND, a brother-in-law: Vernon (Doris) Hebert and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Albert, sister: Evelyn Fischer, and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo starting at 3:00 P.M. with visitation starting at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Hospice of the Red River Valley.
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He was a big man with an even bigger heart. I wish I could be there to give each and every one of you a hug. Much love to you all…
Janet and family
So sorry for your loss
Prayers and hugs
Brad and Kathy
I will always remember the small “strike Zone” Kenny gave me when umping our softball games but he always made up for it with a big smile and sometimes a cold beer after the games. Our thought and prayers to the Schwinden family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of the summers I spent with the Schwinden family. Kenny treated me like one of his kids, I will always be grateful.
Ken was such a wonderful man and great inspiration. I have many great memories of him at the softball fields and other sporting events. Prayers to his family and friends through this difficult time. He will sure to be an angel always watching over you. God bless.
I loved sharing my officiating schedule with Uncle Kenny. He was also so excited to hear about what games I had and I feel fortunate to have shared my upcoming schedule with him last week. He was great to visit with about officiating. He always had a great story and we often shared a good laugh about coaches and players doing and saying dumb things 🙂 I am proud to carry on the Schwinden Officiating Legacy on the hardwood this winter.
What a beautiful video tribute to a wonderful man! Ken made everyone who met him feel important and special. What a gift he was to us all! So glad I was able to see him last week… Hugs and love go out to all of you!
Lisa Dill Hanson
He umpired many games I pitched always had a big smile. He always called a fair game. I drove by the old Mickelson field a few days ago not knowing of his illness and he was the first one I thought of,,great guy that was a great ambassador to the game of life. Reed Satrom
My condolences to the Schwinden family. Lots of memories of “Bopper”. While a young boy I heard a lot about Ken as my dad worked with him at John Morrell. He and my dad might have had a couple of beers at the Empire after work. When I was a kid he blew the whistle on me when I played basketball and while in college I worked with him at John Morrell. One of the nicest guys ever in this world!
Rest In Peace “Big Bopper”
Many wonderful memories of long days spent at the ball park ….some spend questioning a certain umpire’s calls.
My condolences to you Norma and all of your family.
My Condolences to the Schwinden family. My father, George Hill, umpired and ref with Ken during my early years. After some of the games they would bring me into the bar and have a cold beer while I got a burger. I have fond memories of this great man!
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in Jehovah God’s promise to swallow up death forever and soon end all our suffering. (Rev. 21:3-5; Isa. 25:8) Peace to you during this difficult time.
My sympathy to the Schwinden family. I know Ken will be missed so much by his family and friends. I wish I could be there with you all today for his service.. My thoughts will be with you.
Mr. Schwinden was a second father to me growing up and I have always felt like the 5th Schwinden child. He taught me baseball, softball and how to golf as well as many other things I cannot write here. I am so grateful for such a nice visit last Friday afternoon. His infectious smile will always stay with me. I am convinced that he touched all of us in his own unique way.
Jeffy Schwinden Larson
My deepest sympathy to all the family….Kenny was a dear friend, since high school at Shanley!
Great sense of humor, lots of fun, and always a deeply caring person. RIP dear friend!
Dear Norma, My sympathy to you with the loss of your husband. You are in my prayers.
Norma – just want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Don was truly a very special man. When we lose a loved one they are always with us in our hearts and Memories. You have a very special angel watching over you!
James and Tyann Schlenker
Some of my most memorable officiating experiences were with Kenny as a partner or him being on the crew.
The stories are legendary. If heaven has any games to be worked, Kenny will be one of God’s first choices!
God Bless Kenny and the Schwinden family.
Lots of good memories of Kenny at Mickelson Park, RIP……….
Prayers are with you and your family Norma. Miss you
Dear Norma, Craig, Janet, Doug, and Jennifer, I don’t think my words can adequately express the sadness Harlan and I are feeling since hearing of Kenny’s passing. A long time ago, a young married couple moved in next door to the Schwindens and the lives of that young couple were changed forever. You showed us the very best ways to be a friend, to be generous, to parent our young family, and most of all that the most important things in life are not things, but rather love and laughter spread and shared . We have carried those precious lessons with us throughout our lives , and hope that we have succeeded in passing on those important lessons to our own children and grandchildren. Kenny is an unforgettable force and we are grateful and blessed to have known him. To you Norma, and family, our deepest and most sincere sympathy to you all as you journey on. Love, Jackie and Harlan Jordheim
he was a charmer and friend from the very moment he met us………….with deepest sympathy . love the picture of the two of you with the heavenly rainbow………Randi (Klier) and Mike Douville
Thank you for sharing that wonderful video. Thoughts and Prayers with your entire family.
Kenny was such a wonderful man. He always has a smile on his face and a funny story to tell. Kenny and I worked ball for many years. He worked games for some of the best players in the world. He will be missed by many.