Kenneth Wayne Wurzburger

Kenneth Wayne Wurzburger, 87, passed away peacefully from pneumonia complications January 25, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society, New Hope surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Monday February 7 at the Church of the Holy Family, 5900 W. Lake Street, St. Louis Park, with interment following at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Kenneth was born February 4, 1934 in Melvin, Illinois to Wayne and Margaret Wurzburger.   He graduated Melvin-Sibley High School in 1952.   Following high school, Ken enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany in G2 Intelligence.   The Army afforded him the opportunity to travel to 12 countries throughout Europe.

In 1957, he returned to Illinois and starting farming with his father.   In 1962, Kenneth married Ruth Helms, the local high school business education teacher.  Following the birth of their second daughter in 1967, Ken and his family moved to Minnesota where he purchased a farm near Austin.   Ken and Ruth farmed for 32 years before retiring in 1999.   In his retirement, he enjoyed restoring International tractors.

Ken served on the Brownsdale Cooperative Association Elevator Board of Directors for 20 years, and was an active member of the American Legion Posts in Hayfield and Austin, the Brownsdale Lion’s club, Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Brownsdale, St. Edward and then St. Augustine Catholic Churches in Austin.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ruth; daughters Sheryl Delke (John) of St. Louis Park, MN, and Vonda Wurzburger of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren Samantha Delke (Domenico Polo) of Aurora, IL, and John K Delke of Plymouth, MN; and great-grandchild Leonardo Delke Polo.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Margaret Wurzburger.   Ken was dearly loved and admired by his family and will be deeply missed.

Ken was most passionate about helping others, donating to various organizations that had special meaning to him, most notably in the areas of education and Veterans.   He helped numerous young adults further their education.  Ken felt blessed in life and wanted to pay it forward to help others whenever possible.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization that you are most passionate about, and together we can continue Ken’s legacy of generosity.