Kendall Edwin Schwanke

Kendall Edwin Schwanke, 72, of Hesston, Kansas died Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Schowalter Villa. He was born on December 24, 1952 in Topeka, Kansas to Edwin C. and Marlee (Fishburn) Schwanke. He grew up on the family farm between Maple Hill and Dover, Kansas, and attended Maple Hill Schools, finishing his junior and senior years at Alma High School. Kendall was a student of the first Horticulture class at Hutchinson JUCO in 1972. He was united in marriage to Jody Ann Rader on April 5, 1975. He worked for Hesston Corp for 17 ½ years as groundskeeper and office maintenance. Kendall later worked for the City of Hesston for 26 years as groundskeeper for the golf course and as the city parks superintendent, retiring on December 15, 2017. He also ran Ken’s Lawn Service part time for about 20 years. Through Kendall’s youth he enjoyed 4-H Club, Cub Scouts and baseball. He served as a member of the Hesston Tree Board, Cub Scouts, youth sports coach, Hesston Lions Club, Hesston festivals, Arbor Day Foundation, South Central Urban Forestry and Kansas Arborists Association. He was a member of the Hesston United Methodist Church and served on the board of trustees. Kendall enjoyed area lake fishing, travel, casino visits, garage sales, and above all, spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jody Schwanke of Hesston; children, Clint (Stacey) Schwanke of Wichita, Amanda (Wes) Thompson of Hutchinson, and Kyle (Kari) Schwanke of Mulvane; five grandchildren, Kylie, Kole, Khloe, Karli, and Evan; sister, Ann (Dennis) Deiter of Afton, OK; niece and nephew Melanie and Mark; and many cousins. Kendall was preceded in death by his parents; half-brother, Douglas Schwanke; and many favorite aunts and uncles. Cremation is planned. Family will greet friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Hesston. Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 7, at Hesston United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at the Hesston City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hesston United Methodist Church or Boy Scouts of America in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062.

Kendall Edwin Schwanke

December 24, 1952 - May 17, 2025