Kenneth Santelman

Obituary

Kenneth Santelman was born on March 14, 1919, in Frontenac, Minnesota.  He was the son of Benjamin and Frieda (Steffenhagen) Santelman.  Ken was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Frontenac.  He was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Lake City, Minnesota, Class of 1936.

On April 10, 1943, Ken was united in marriage to Marcella (Raasch) of Zumbrota, Minnesota.  This marriage was blessed with five children, Emily, Bruce, Kathryn, Mary and Mark.  Following their marriage, Ken and Marcy resided and farmed in the Zumbrota and Wanamingo area, until Ken accepted a position in 1945 as a Sales Manager for Skelgas, a division of Skelly Oil Co., in Watertown, South Dakota.  In 1948, Ken and Marcy moved to St. Peter where he farmed and was a John Deere Implement dealer for 16 years, eventually selling to Mankato John Deere in 1964.  Ken and Marcy began their second careers in the restaurant business when they built the A&W Drive-In, in Shakopee, Minnesota.  After one year, he was hired by A&W as a Field Representative and covered Minnesota and both North and South Dakota.  In 1969, they purchased the Hutchinson A&W and operated it until 1974.  In 1972 they built and operated the Hutchinson Country Kitchen.

Ken was on the St. Peter School Board in St. Peter, Minnesota, Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce Board from 1971 to 1973, and served as Chamber President in 1973.  During his time on the Chamber Board, he was instrumental in organizing the Hutchinson Ambassadors, the Plaza 15 development, and the Annual Arts Fair. 

After retirement, Ken and Marcy spent many winters in Mesa, Arizona. They shared 68 years of marriage until Marcy passed away on November 2, 2011.   Ken moved back to Red Wing after Marcy passed away.   He always had a funny joke to tell and loved being around people.  At age 93, Ken became an active member of the Red Wing Toastmasters for four years.  He earned several awards for his speaking ability. 

Ken became a resident at Deer Crest Assisted Living in Red Wing on June 18, 2012.  He passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the age of 97 years.

Ken is survived by his:
Children, Emily Schuldt of Centennial, CO;
Bruce Santelman and his wife Rosie of Hutchinson, MN;
Kathryn Hoemeyer and her husband Bob of Linn Creek, MO;
Mary Nelson and her husband Brad of Lake City, MN;
Mark Santelman and his wife Martha of Winthrop, MN;
13 Grandchildren and many Great Grandchildren;
Sister, Kathryn Iverson of Zephyrhills, FL;
Special Friend, Jean Lynner of Red Wing, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his Parents, Benjamin and Frieda; Spouse, Marcy Santelman; Brothers, Winfred Santelman, Harold Santelman; Chester Santelman; Sister, Rosemary Cassada; Granddaughter, Chelsea Christina Hoemeyer.