KLEMME — Swen Joseph “Joe” Rogeness, 62, formerly of Forest City, died Sunday, August 9, 2026, at his home in Klemme.
A celebration of life will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Garner VFW Post 5515, 315 Center Avenue in Garner. Swen was cremated in accordance with his wishes. His cremated remains will be laid to rest at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Forest City, with military honors provided by Forest City American Legion Post 121.
Rather than flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions in Swen’s name to a veterans organization selected by the donor.
Born October 8, 1963, Swen grew up in Forest City and graduated from Forest City High School in 1982. He was named for his great-grandfather, a Norwegian immigrant who settled on a farm south of Crystal Lake during the late 1800s.
Swen enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1983. He initially served as an avionics technician on the F-15 Eagle and later became a sensor operator aboard AC-130U “Spooky” gunships assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command. He retired in December 2003 after more than 20 years of military service.
His career included combat deployments connected to operations in Bosnia, Liberia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. His decorations included the Air Force Achievement Medal and Aerial Achievement Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster. Swen and the crews with whom he served also received repeated Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Valor.
Fellow crew members knew him by the nickname “Swengali,” a reflection of the influence he had on his teams during numerous missions. Swen remained deeply proud of his military service and closely connected to veterans organizations throughout his life. Memorabilia from his career was donated to the veterans museum at Heritage Park in Forest City.
Away from his military duties, Swen enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and spending time outside. He had especially fond memories of the years he spent stationed in Alaska and the fishing adventures he experienced there.
Swen was also a skilled and generous cook who often prepared food for veterans gatherings and friends. He enjoyed side-by-side rides, country roads, meals in Belmond and Garner, and quiet moments watching fields, wildlife and changing skies.
Survivors include his son, Brandon Rogeness and Steven Ayala of Phoenix, Arizona; Brandon’s mother, Teresa Crossley Graham of Floyd; his father, Richard Rogeness and Marie of Surprise, Arizona; his siblings, Gary Rogeness and Michelle of Alexandria, Virginia, Sheila Rogeness of Sioux City, and Steve Rogeness of Forest City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann McCauley Andersen.
SCHOTT FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATION SERVICES is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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