Obituaries

Keith Schwenn of Patterson Dies at 66

Editor's note: Dwyer Funeral Home provided this obituary.

Beloved Keith Harrison Schwenn, age 66, of Putnam Lake, NY, died peacefully at home on Oct. 3, 2013. 

Keith was born on Jan. 29, 1947 in Flushing, NY to Carl and Marie (Harrison) Schwenn. He lived a beautiful life; with deep impact on the life of nearly every person he came in contact with.   

Keith’s commitment to service and love of country were a defining force in his life that led to a 33-year military career. He served first on active duty during the Vietnam War and later, until his retirement in 2002, as a lieutenant colonel in the New York National Guard. Keith loved his time in uniform. 

Full-time, Keith was a dedicated medical professional; he retired as a hospital laboratory administrator from Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx in 2009.  During Keith’s career as a laboratory supervisor he worked in multiple New York City and Westchester County hospitals.  

On June 14, 1975, Keith married the love of his life, Karen E. Johnson, with whom he built a large, close family.   

To say that Keith’s family was the center of his universe would be an understatement. From working triple shifts to provide everything possible for his children to ALWAYS prioritizing everyone above himself. As a husband, brother, and father, Keith was the consummate family man, mentor, friend, advisor sounding board, and confidant. Second only to his family were his friends and coworkers, for whom he tried to be an equally fair and focused mentor and friend. 

Besides his wife of 37 years, Keith is survived by his five children and two grandchildren (three daughters, two sons and two granddaughters):   
Khirsten T. Schwenn, of Southern Pines, NC; Karl R. (Kaleb) Schwenn, his wife Melly and their two children Melia and Megan of Dayton, OH; Karissa L. Schwenn, of Putnam Lake, NY; Kyle W. Schwenn of Poughkeepsie, NY; and Katherine E. Schwenn and her fiancé Tyler R. Fida of Lewistown, PA.            Keith is also survived by two brothers and a sister: Kenneth Schwenn and his wife Liz and their children Linda and Judy; Kevin Schwenn, his wife Trudy and their daughter Beth Marie; and Kathy (Schwenn) Lawrence, her husband Michael and their children Michelle, Michael and Mark. 

Due to his loving nature Keith was a father-figure to many. Cassandra M. Ruiz of Danbury, CT and her daughter Alexis called him dad/grandpa, and held a special place in Keith’s heart.   

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Marie Schwenn. 

A wake was held on Monday, Oct. 7, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. where friends and family were invited to share some time with Keith’s immediate family saying goodbye. Following the wake a memorial service was held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at which time friends and family were invited to share their memories or a favorite prayer. These gatherings took place at the Dwyer Funeral Home (23 South Street, Patterson, NY 12563).

In lieu of flowers contributions in Keith’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association.


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