Kenneth Leo Walz was born on August 24, 1943 to Lanwald and Dorothy (Schouviller) in Detroit Lakes, MN. He grew up in Mahnomen, MN, where he graduated with the class of 1961. Following high school, Ken worked for Solar Gas and later Lee Electric. He was united in marriage to Norma Jokumsen and in 1966, his daughter, Lisa, was born. From 1966 to 1968, Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam and was awarded: Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Medic Badge, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Qualified Expert M-16 Badge.

After returning to Minnesota, Ken worked for Bjerke Electric in Marshall, MN, and married Gail Holthusen. Together they had two sons, Brent and Curt. In 1977, he left Bjerke Electric to work for Southwest State University until he retired in 2006. Following his retirement, Ken moved to Alexandria, MN and enjoyed spending his winters in Arizona. He also thoroughly loved spending time with his grandchildren and fishing. In earlier years, Ken held membership with the Marshall American Legion where he served as past commander. At the age of 67, Ken passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer on Thursday, September 23, 2010.


Kenneth is survived by his mother, Dorothy of Mahnomen; two sons, Brent (Michelle) Walz of Olympia, WA and Curt (Rebecca) Walz of Albertville, MN; a daughter, Lisa (Mike) Stenstrom of Fargo, ND; six grandchildren; three sisters: Doris (Victor) Eiynck and Debra Lunde both of Mahnomen, Sandra (Mark) Amberg of Waubun, MN; five brothers: Lowell Walz and Richard (Rhonda) Walz both of Mahnomen, Randall Walz of Panora, IA, Keith (Sarah) Walz of Knoxville, IA, Dale (Kristene) Walz of Windsor Heights, IA; many nieces and nephews. Kenneth is preceded in death by his father, Lanwald.
Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN. A time of remembrance will be held Tuesday, September 28, 2010 from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen.

Inurnment will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Beaulieu.