Kenneth E. Neuenschwander, 74, of Napoleon passed away from multiple health complications on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. Ken was born May 26, 1946, to the late Alverda (Yackee) and Theodore Neuenschwander. He married Charlene O’Hara, his wife of 50 years, on June 13, 1970, and she survives.
Ken was a graduate of Wauseon High School and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University. Ken, Mr. N or “N”, was a talented and resourceful leader, a compassionate mentor, a master delegator, and an electric personality that definitely made an impact on many lives.
He taught high school English, speech, and drama for 36 years. Ken taught communications, acting, and theater at Defiance College for several years. As an advisor, he organized many spirited events for the school and community. Ken shared his creativity in directing high school, collegiate, and community theater plays. He often recognized potential in people and fostered confidence and passion for the arts.
Although he certainly enjoyed being in charge and dreaming the dream, Ken equally loved performing. He was involved in summer stock at BGSU and Huron Playhouse, was a longtime member of the Maumee Valley Civic Theater, contributed to the Fort Defiance Players, and supported the Henry County Arts Partnership and the Napoleon Athletic Boosters.
Ken established and developed the Napoleon Community Television (NCTV) program. He spearheaded and gathered the community to erect the Charles Buckenmeyer Stadium. Ken was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon. He was a passionate and visionary founder of the Napoleon Civic Center. Ken’s modesty for his personal accomplishments and community contributions make it impossible to share a complete list.
Most of all, Ken was a committed husband, a supportive father, and an extremely proud grandfather. In his retirement, Ken especially loved spending time at the lake with his family and attending his grandkids’ extracurricular activities.
He is also survived by his children, Amy (Greg) Rosebrook of Napoleon, Jennifer (Troy) Baughman of Dexter, Mich., and Laura (Brian) Dean of Powell, Ohio; grandchildren, Paige Snyder, Zack Rosebrook, Kendall Rosebrook, Nate Baughman, Molly Rosebrook, Tessa Baughman, Mia Baughman, Mason Dean, and Owen Dean; and brothers, Larry (Ginni) and Brent Neuenschwander of Wauseon.
Due to the global pandemic, services will be private with immediate family. The funeral service will be live-streamed at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, and can be viewed at www.stpaulnapoleon.org. Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home in Napoleon is entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to Ken’s most recent community passion: the development of the Napoleon Civic Center. Donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/f/napoleon-civic-center-for-kenneth-neuenschwander or mailed to Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, 1010 Westmoreland Ave. Napoleon, Ohio 43545.
Online condolences may be made at www.rodenbergergray.com. To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
