Kenneth H. Welken, 91, of Austin, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Austin Medical Center.

Ken was born Oct. 30, 1919, in Austin to Hans and Anna Welken. He attended public schools in Austin and was a member of the Austin High School class of 1937. Ken participated in the Austin Sea Scout Band and was an Eagle Scout. Following his graduation from high school, he attended the University of Minnesota where he was a member of the marching band. He served in the Army Air Corps in Europe during WWII. Ken was a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve for 20 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He married Kathleen F. Bumgarner at Lakeland, Fla. in September 1943. She died April 5, 2010. After the war, he returned to Austin and began a 38-year career at Hormel Foods primarily as a credit manager. He retired in March 1984.

Ken was a lifelong member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin and served as an usher well into his 80s. He supported his children’s activities, served as the business manager for the Austin Symphony Orchestra for several years and was a member of the Kiwanis Golden K. Ken enjoyed the company of fellow Hormel retirees at Friday morning breakfasts.

Survivors include his two sons, Craig (Nancy) of Plymouth, Minn., Mark (Debbie) of Bloomington, Minn.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen, and sister, Marion Welken.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Rev. Ron Barnett officiating. The family will greet friends one hour before the service at the church and also at a luncheon following the service on Saturday. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 91. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Olaf Lutheran Church or the American Red Cross-Mower County Chapter. Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home.