You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Feb 12, 2024 10:30 AM Arizona Topic: Funeral Services for Kent Schvaneveldt Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/92404870078 Or One tap mobile : +13462487799,,92404870078# US (Houston) +16694449171,,92404870078# US
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kent Schvaneveldt, who left this world on January 31, 2024, after a brief but difficult battle with cancer. He was 66 years old.
Born on March 2, 1957, in Neuebrucke, Germany, Kent was a beloved son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. This unsung hero touched the lives of many with his kindness compassion, and unwavering love.
Kent grew up in a military household and lived in many places around the world. He was an adventurous boy and sought out adventures every place he lived. He hiked across Taiwan, went to Scout Camp in the Philippines, and hiked the Appalachian Trail. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a proselyting mission in Kobe, Japan, from ages 19-21. Kent married his high school sweetheart Lori on April 28, 1979. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of New Mexico. Following graduation, he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and began a career in the Army to realize his dream of becoming a pilot. He earned his wings and flew both helicopters and airplanes, including the Scout, Huey, Mohawk, and C-12. He rose through the ranks, serving in many leadership positions, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years of service. He then dedicated his talents to the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Boeing where he continued to serve the country up to his passing. Among his years at DCMA, he volunteered to serve overseas multiple times in Afghanistan, and—due to his cancer diagnosis—was forced to return from Germany this past November where he was helping with the Ukrainian war effort.
Kent’s true hobby was his work, but he also loved to fish and spend time in nature in his free time. He loved to travel and be with his family. His grandchildren were his world, and he made each of them feel so special. He had a great sense of humor, and you couldn’t help but feel uplifted whenever he was in the room.
He is survived by his wife Lori; children: Heidi (Scott) and Devin; grandchildren: Andin, Emmi, Cambria, Jake, Mara, and Vivienne; parents: Noel and Margaret Schvaneveldt; siblings: Cindy (Bruce), Scott (Denise), Lisa (Drew), Brent (Annette), Jay (Gina), Linda (Chris), Judy (Greg), and Jenifer (Mason); and a host of relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Please join us in celebrating the life of Kent as we remember the joy he brought to our lives. He lived his life in the service of his country and his family. The memorial service will be held at 10:30am on February 12, 2024, at 48 Main Street in Snowflake, Arizona. Military Honors will be given at 12:00pm graveside at 390 South 4th Street West, immediately following the memorial service.
Not many people get to receive two sets of wings—his first set as a pilot in the Army and now his second as his soul has flown above to rest in eternal peace. May we find peace in the knowledge that he is no longer in pain and may the memories of his life bring comfort and strength to those who mourn his passing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to World Central Kitchen in Kent’s honor. WCK is first to the frontlines, providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. In the early months of the Ukraine invasion, WCK served millions of fresh meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home as well as people remaining in the country. Now, they are supporting frontline communities in eastern and southern Ukraine where the need for food is urgent: https://donate.wck.org/give/499865/#!/donation/checkout
“When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind.”—Unknown
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of cousin Kent. What an honor to be called part of his family. Sending all our love to the rest of the Schvaneveldts. May you find peace and comfort at this time.
Kent was by far the best boss I ever had in my 45 years of working for the government. I will miss not being able to remind him to eat his lunch.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers. I pray that God gives you comfort and strength during this difficult time. My heart goes out to you and the family during this painful time.
Kent was the kindest person I have ever known, smart and very giving. He always volunteered for things people needed help with, especially within our DCMA family. Always gave good advice to myself and others all the while laughing and telling jokes. That was the Kent I knew, always laughing and talking amongst us all. He knew everyone on a personal level and always asked about family. I was always surprised when he would ask of the wife & kids, to see how they were doing. He would jokingly ask if they were ready to volunteer to help someone (lol). I will truly miss him.
Until we meet again, RIP Sir!
With deepest sympathy and condolences to Lori and the entire Schvaneveldt family, my family’s prayers and thoughts are with you all. I was blessed to know Swanny when I was deployed in Afghanistan as he was a great leader & mentor. I’m thankful I was able to visit with him in Germany before I came back to Utah. Swanny was a great man, and I was lucky enough to call him my friend. I know he did touch so many people’s lives with his great sense of humor, positive attitude and always had a smile I will dearly miss him!!!!
Kent touched so many lives, including mine. Has an amazing man and I will never forget you kindness, compassion, and the friendship that we had. Ma God bless you an our family. You have definitely earned this second set of wings. Thank you for being you…I will never forget you!
Kent was a good soul. He touched many lives including mine. I worked with him for many years at Boeing. I could always truest he would listen and council those around him. I know God will embrace him in Heaven. Those that new him will miss him dearly.
Me deepest heartfelt condolences to the family of Kent. I never met him in person, only by telephone when he was in Afghanistan. I’m confident in the calibre of man he was, because I know well his faithful parents. My heart is with you as we mourn Kent’s passing, and together hold onto our shared faith in Jesus Christ. The sting is removed through faith in Him, but the ache of missing Kent’s companionship will never ease until we’re ounce again in with him in the next stages of life’s great journey.
Until then, God be with you, Schvaneveldt family. I mourn with you.
Condolences to his immediate and extended family and friends. Unbelievable that he was called home so soon. I met him at my neighbors house in Los Lunas NM he was so kind to Lori “s aunt. That needed help getting around. So I can see why his co workers and family and friends have such nice things to say. Yes your higher power whatever you call him. Needed him So sorry Lori.
I was honored to get acquainted with Swanny during the last year as we both worked for the U.S. Army. He was an incredible guy and lit up a room with his electric smile. He will be missed by many. On behalf of the many folks from his last assignment, please know that we are crying for your loss and smile with the many happy memories that he brought to others! Let us know if we can do anything to help. Peace be with the family. And we pray for Swanny to rest in peace.
Kent was a great man, husband, father and friend. i know there is a great place in Heaven where he will watch over Lori and his children and grandchildren, till they are all gathered together again. Love Joel and family
Swanny was an amazing leader and role model. He provided me with solid advice and support in Camp Phoenix in Afghanistan. I remember distinctly his insistence that he would not ask anything of anyone that he himself would not do. Since I came back home I have missed him.
I offer my prayers for the family. Very glad to have met him.
My dad and I were talking about Kent last week. He and his family were very good to my family growing up and we always had a lot of fun visiting them wherever they lived, playing croquet and badminton and whatever else we played. He was mindful of my family and a good friend to my father. I appreciated his kindness to me. He had the courage and compassion to tell me I was not going to make it to the NBA… It stung at the time but helped me realize I needed to focus in more than one area.
We are sorry for your loss Sister Schvaneveldt and to the rest of your family. A man like that will have a wonderful place prepared for him.
I was just going through old journals and read about the blessings of each of our families first babies. I remember you guys in highschool and Kent’s Gremlin. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dedicated to service to our Nation in uniform and as a civilian. His true hobby wasn’t work, but building bridges amongst people most needing his contributions. He’s influenced many lives and will continue to do so with his memories. Condolences to his family and friends most impacted by this early departure.
I realized after reading Kent’s obituary that I really didn’t know him well. But he made you feel like you did because he treated everyone he worked with as a friend, not just a member of the team. He was the heart and soul of DCMA Boeing Mesa and will be greatly missed. Godspeed my friend.
Condolences and prayers to the entire Schvaneveldt family! Through salvation, we will meet again.
Kent “Swanny” Schvaneveldt was not only one of the best Managers I ever worked under he was a friend, mentor and a level head to bring sanity into the Apache Production line at Boeing Mesa! He taught me more about contracts and contracting, that made me a better Logistician and how contractors are supposed to execute the contracts that help make the best product for the warfighters!
He loved to deploy as often as he could after he retired from the Army, he loved working with Soldiers as much as he could to ensure they had the best operational equipment to complete their mission!
I will sure miss the candid conversations and advise you gave me to work from FT. Living room in Utah closer to my family! My Picture was always sideways on his office wall LOL.
RIP Swanny until we meet again on the Green!
I had the privilege of working with Kent, affectionately known as Swanny, during our time in Germany, where we dedicated ourselves to supporting the Ukrainian conflict. Kent was a constant source of encouragement, often reminding me to prioritize fitness as he noticed my physique dwindling. His infectious smile and unwavering love made everyone around him feel cherished. I am deeply saddened by his passing and will forever miss his friendship and guidance. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, and I pray that God grants them solace during this difficult time. Rest peacefully, Swanny, knowing you are in the loving embrace of our Lord. Until we meet again, you will be dearly remembered.
Lori I am so sorry for your loss and the pain it brings. Reading about him makes me wish I had known him. Kathy, my cousin , loved you so much and your kindness was appreciated. I wish all of your family peace and prayers at this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t have the chance to knew Mr. Schvaneveldt for a longtime. During the short time that I worked with him, I felt the caring and the love to everyone at the office and how he treated his co-workers with passion. May God gives you peace and comfort and repose his soul as he was a great true hero.
I had the pleasure of knowing Swanny for the last 20 years for work. He was the kindest most patient man and leader I think I have ever met. Even though he is gone, I challenging situations I will think- WWSD- what would Swanny do… he just seemed to have a calm demeanor about him that made even the most crazy situations manageable. Your forethought and wisdom will be dearly missed!
Kent reached out multiple times to give back to the soldier and deploy- he felt the need to support- he took it as an honor to be part of something so much bigger than himself- such as Afghanistan and Ukranian efforts.
Swanny- you made us all feel special when you were around- thank you for your friendship, mentoring, and knowlege- I will truly truly miss you.
Prayers to Lori and family- may you find comfort in all the people that Swanny lifted up.
I was HONORED to consider Swanny a friend. I worked directly for him in Afghanistan for 7 months and he was always supportive as a mentor and a good man. He routinely called and emailed me afterwards for light conversations. Seeing him one last time in Germany was a highlight for me professionally to get great insight on the mission there and personally to laugh and fellowship with a good friend. I will miss him and look forward to a reunion in Paradise.
So very sad to hear the news of Kent. Kent was the first person to take me to In-and-Out and I will think of him every time I pass one. Love to you all during this difficult time, I wish I could make the service but I will hope to watch it if it is recorded.
Margaret Ann and Noel, we’re sorry to hear about Kent. I vaguely remember attending his marriage with Vicki years ago. We won’t be attending the funeral but we pray that the Spirit will be there in abundance. We love your great family!
Hey Swanny,
I’ll miss the Saturday morning chicken runs over to Hainerberg, your level headedness, your amazing outlook on life and that DFAC food, no matter how bad, is just fuel for the body. I’m a better for having known you, however, the world seems a little less bright since your passing. Fair weather and following seas my friend.
Dal
Throughout one’s life, many people come and go. But only a few will change
one’s life. I am grateful to have cross path with someone as remarkable as
Swanny. I will cherish your mentorship and guidance. You will be missed.
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Lori and family.
Kent will always be in our hearts and memories. There aren’t enough people in this world like Kent. Kent immediately became a member of our greater family. Even though family was scattered across the country we always seemed to keep each other in our thoughts. Once united again, it always felt like we had just seen each other the day before. Ever kind and thoughtful is how we will remember Kent. Lori, I always appreciated how you and Kent were so kind to my mother as she aged. She mentioned often how she looked forward to your visits. I am sure they are united in heaven with other Sais family members and taking care of heavenly gardens, farms, and orchards.
My deepest condolences and sympathies to the entire Schvaneveldt family! As a Boeing team member, I knew that Kent was truly a partner with me and my organization in support of our soldiers and citizens. I have the highest respect for Kent, the values and morals that defined him, and the mutual respect he embraced with everyone he met. His professionalism set the standard in our work.
Kent, may God Bless you and your family. One more time…thank you Sir for your service and our working together. I will never forget you!
Our deepest condolences to the family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.
I met Kent through work. He was instrumental in my transfer from the Phoenix DCMA office to the Boeing. for which I will ALWAYS remember and grateful for. I knew he had a wonderful career serving his country, but did not know the extent of it. I am so sorry for his family’s loss, but Heaven’s gain. I am praying for his dear family.
My deepest condolences. Swanny will be very missed. He served tremendously! I was honored to know him while he was supporting Ukraine efforts in Germany. His impact will continue on. Sending good thoughts and hugs to all his family and friends.