Kenneth Wechsler

OBITUARY Kenneth Edwin Wechsler was born June 1, 1923 at New Germany MN, the son of Edwin and Helen (Reick) Wechsler. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in New Germany MN. Ken graduated from Watertown (MN) High School in 1941. In 2011 his class celebrated their 70th year reunion. In the fall of 1941 he attended the Minneapolis Business College and graduated in 1942. On September 30, 1944 Ken was united in marriage to Blanche Mueller. They made their home in Watertown, MN and raised four children. In November 1944, Ken was drafted into the US Army. He served for two years in the Philippines. Upon his Honorable Discharge, Ken returned to Watertown. In the following years the family moved to Balsam Lake, WI. Ken worked for the Minneapolis Star and Tribune in the Farm Service Division. In 1952 his job took the family to Alexandria, MN. During this time Ken joined the Boy Scouts of America as a professional scout executive. In 1963, the family moved to Galesburg Illinois and also made moves to Kewanee, Illinois, Decatur, Illinois; South Bend, Indiana and Bloomington, Indiana. In 1978, Ken retired from the Boy Scouts and the family returned to Alexandria, MN where they currently reside. Ken was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was a choir member, Men?s Club member, and served for many years on various boards and committees. Recently he was the Historian for Zion. Also during this time he received the Lamb Award in 1987, which is the highest Boy Scout church award and in 1988 received the Silver Beaver Award, which is the Boy Scouts highest civil award. Ken was also a life long member of the American Legion. He also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Geneva Cemetery Association. Ken was an avid gardener and many people benefited from his produce. He also loved camping, fishing, building birdhouses and trips to Texas. Ken went to be with his Lord peacefully on February 3, 2012 at the age of 88 years. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Blanche, and children Wanda (Bill) Schultz of Alexandria, James Wechsler of Austin, TX, Robert (Sherry) Wechsler of Atkinson, Il and John (Regina) Wechsler of Moreno Valley, CA; grandchildren TJ (Dawn) Schultz of Alexandria, Stephanie (Wechsler) Johnson of St. Paul, MN, Jennifer, Julie and Jim Wechsler of Moreno Valley, CA; great grandsons Aaron and Evan Schultz of Alexandria; brother Donald (Shirley) Wechsler of Neenah, WI and nephew Kelly Wechsler of Neenah, WI. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Cristopher Wechsler. Anderson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. www.andersonfuneral.net