Kenneth “Ken” Koelln

Obituary

Kenneth “Ken” Lee Koelln was born on February 26, 1930, at his family home in Renville County, Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. He was the son of Carl and Maude (Pence) Hurtig. Ken was baptized as an infant at First Lutheran Church in Hector, Minnesota, and was confirmed in his faith as a youth at the Methodist Church in Buffalo Lake. He received his education in Stewart, Minnesota, and graduated with the Stewart High School Class of 1948.

Ken served his country in the United States Army and served his country for 21 months. He served 8 months 21 days active and returned to inactive duty. He attained the rank of Sergeant.

On November 10, 1951, Ken was united in marriage to Harriet Damlow at Trinity Evangelical and Reformed Church in Hutchinson. This marriage was blessed with six children, Katherine, Christine, Kenneth, Martin, Carol, and Marjorie. Ken and Harriet made their home in Litchfield, and shared 67 years of marriage.

Ken drove truck for First District Association in Litchfield, and retired in February of 1991. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield, and served on the Church Board for three years. Ken was a member of the Nelsan Horton American Legion Post 104 in Litchfield and served as the Commander for two years. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 104. 

Ken enjoyed fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Ken passed away on Friday, February 15, 2019, at the Meeker Manor Rehabilitation Center in Litchfield, having reached the age of 88 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Ken is survived by his:
Wife, Harriet Koelln of Litchfield, MN;
Children, Katherine Dexter and her husband, Jerry, of Salt Lake City, UT,
                  Christine Koelln and her fiancé, Gary Hawes, of Litchfield, MN,
                  Kenneth Koelln Jr. and his wife, Sharlene, of Litchfield, MN,
                  Martin Koelln and his wife, Dana, of Litchfield, MN,
                  Carol Burdick of Oregon City, OR, and
                  Marjorie Rusch of Darwin, MN;
18 Grandchildren;
38 Great-Grandchildren;
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren;
Siblings, Muriel Ewer of Tucson, AZ,
                 Duane Koelln and his wife, Ruby, of Bloomington, MN,
                 Charles Koelln and his wife, Barbara, of Cosmos, MN,
                 Ralph Koelln and his wife, Deb, of Yale, IA,
                 Deloris Wendorff of Shakopee, MN, and
                 LeRoy Koelln of Watkins, MN;
many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his Parents, Carl and Ethel Hurtig; Orrin and Maude Koelln; Grandson, Andrew Dexter; Brother, Carl Koelln; Sister, Dorothy Koelln; Son-In-Law, Roger Rusch; Brothers-In-Law, Leon Ewer and Gary Wendorff.