Kent LeRoy Swanson
July 4, 1947 - December 30, 2022

"Hit wrong button. So I\'ll finish my post. 1970 when I last saw Ken. I also talk to him early 2000\'s my condolences to his Family. May you rest in peace Brother. God has a beautiful place for you. Tony Martinez \"Band Of Brothers\""

"I don\'t quite remember Ken it\'s been over fifty yrs. When I saw him last. It was Vietnam 1970 November 12 "

"I remember Kent from when he and his brother Doug used to rent from my parents in McCook when they were at college, I was about 8 or 9 I think and I remember all the times they would have dinner with us and the times they partied too hard. I always thought it was cool that they were so good to us even though we were little. Lori Radford"

"To Nina and family: Praying for God?s comfort and strength as you mourn. I got to know Kent when I became his co-worker in 2008. On my first day, he found me wandering around outside, trying to get into the locked building. He had a friendly smile and let me inside, calming my first-day nerves. The first thing you noticed about him was his carefree spirit that drew people in and made everyone feel comfortable. He was so patient and had such a good sense of humor. He was an encourager and never made anyone feel stupid for making mistakes. He patiently trained me and invested time and energy in my career in a way that was far above and beyond what he was asked to do as a co-worker. We shared so many laughs together over the years and he made coming to work each day fun. We also shared a common faith in Jesus that was a stronger bond than our mutual occupation, which led us to become friends over the years we worked together, and long after. He took an interest in my family and always had good and timely advice when it came to family matters. He loved Nina, his kids, and his grandkids and would light up talking about them. He also wanted everyone he knew to ?know the Lord?, and was never ashamed to talk about God?s gracious, saving work in his life. See you again someday, brother! The photo below is of Kent making notes at a building inspection during his time with the City of Kearney. It appears as though he was deep in thought about some building mistake he noticed, however, he taught me to always make notes even if we couldn\'t find anything wrong - - mostly because even if we were just writing down a grocery list of things to pick up after work, the note-taking alone would make contractors nervous enough to ?spill their guts? if they had done anything wrong! Only Kent? "

"Nina & family-I remember meeting you Nina when I was teaching in Farnam. You & Kent were so kind to me & my daughter Cici. You both were like a 2nd set of parents to Cici. I remember Kent?s warm & bubbly personality & how much enthusiasm he had for life. My sympathies to all of you and may you find peace in recalling all the wonderful memories of Kent. "

"I have so many fond memories of Kent as he worked for my dad, Clarence Block on the farm during the summer of his high school years. His vivacious personality and humor made him fun to be around. I remember often after lunch at the farm he would take time to put on the baseball gloves and play catch with me as I was 9 years younger than him. Every year he would make the trip to Kansas to get fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July which was also his birthday. It was almost like a 2nd Christmas to me as the anticipation of what firework would he bring back this year. There was always plenty of black cats, cherry bombs, and M-80s. He was just a ?great guy.? My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. Mark Block"

"Steve and Jeanie We are friends of Kent and Nina?s from Gothenburg. I (Steve) grew up with Kent and have so many memories over the years. From going to his house in the country in our early school years to being my neighbor when his family moved to town to the years after school that we remained friends. He was a great athlete in both football and track. He loved pole vaulting and was one of the best in the state. We were partners in our summer job of hauling hay bales and had me laughing everyday. We also met almost everyday at my place of business in later years. It was always fun when he came into the hardware store and he made me or anyone around laugh or smile. He was the funniest guy I have ever been around. We both missed Kent and Nina when they moved away to Kearney then Omaha. You only have a few really good friends in your life and Kent was one of mine. Even though we didn?t see each other in later years, his memory to me will never fade. To Nina and your family our prayers and deepest sympathy . We hope you can find peace and comfort in the days ahead. "

"Kent & Nina have been precious friends in our lives since the late 80\'s. Kent will always be in our hearts, we will always share funny, fond, heartfelt memories of Kent. We are thankful our children were a part of his life as well. Love to Nina and her family, Mel and Susan "

"Nina and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Kent, fly high, watch over your family and be free! Marilyn Tomasso (caregivers group)"

"I knew Kent when I was in high school and he worked for my dad, Larry Ostergard d/b/a Larry?s Plumbing and Heating. The day started with Kent coming to the house each morning at 8:00 to learn what job he was to go to. I hadn?t left for school by then so I saw him every morning. I always enjoyed Kent, he was a pretty happy go lucky kind of guy. My sympathy to each of you. Lori Ostergard Clymer"