Kenneth Weiser

Kenneth Dale Weiser (Age 86) was born October 12, 1935 in Madison, MN to his Mother Hazel Hortense Weiser (Beeson) and Father Wayne Willard Weiser. Preceded in death by his wife Karen (Swenson) Weiser and his sister Patricia (Patsy) Moen, Brother-in-laws Rufus Wilson married to Ken’s sister, Colleen Wilson, and Ralph Etherington married to Ken’s sister, Roberta Etherington. Ken’s Daughter Tracy Jo Weiser, his son Wayne Kenneth Weiser and daughter-in-law Diana (DeeDee) Weiser will miss their beloved Father. Ken resided in Rockton, IL and was cared for by his son Wayne and his wife Diana Weiser. Ken was diagnosed with Hydrocephalus in 2012 and underwent surgery to help slow down the effects of the disease that caused dementia and ultimately, contributed to his death.

Ken grew up in the small town of Madison, MN known to some as the Lutefisk Capital of the World, don’t ya know? We were blessed to take a recent trip in 2019 to one of his favorite places, the Weiser Family farm in Hazleton, ND to visit over 200 family members that gather every 5 years. Ken moved from the small town of Madison, MN to the big city of Mankato, MN his senior year of High School. Dad was upset at first but was welcomed to the new school with open arms and a fresh start. He was happy to be known as Ken until one of his best friends, who moved from his former hometown, saw him down the hallway screaming his old nickname PEEWEE! Dad cringed, with embarrassment!

Ken felt it was his duty to join the Army National Guard in which he served from 1954 to 1956 spending the majority of his time in Germany as Specialist Second Class. When he returned home, he attended Mankato State University and joined the Gymnastics team while completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Ken met the beautiful Karen Swenson at Mankato State and after being married on September 13, 1958, the couple moved to Shorewood, WI which is just North of Milwaukee. Where he began his 45 year career in Actuarial and Data Services at Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Ken enjoyed being in a routine. We remember walking around Dad on the floor doing exercises every morning until the tea kettle whistled in the kitchen. He carpooled to work at NML and attended many company leagues such as Bridge Club and Golf League. Mom and Dad were involved at Kingo Lutheran Church. We remembered helping dad count the offerings Sunday after church stuffing coins and stamping the back of checks. Dad was a member of the Church Dart Club, The Couples Bowling League and The Bridge Club.

Ken was blessed to have many family members who loved him:
Grandchildren: Conrad Weiser, Felicia/Chris Zawada, Jacob/Jessie Konaszewski, Joshua Konasewski, Kelsie/Justin Paholski, Courtney Ovist, Brooke Irwin, Corbin Ovist and McKayli Vann
Great Grandchildren: Ethan/Thomas Zawada, Macey Paholski, Caysen Orsborn, CeJay Ovist and his daily visitor and Family companion, our cute Shorkie, Finnley.

Ken took many family pictures and movies throughout the years, just as his Father did. We always enjoyed and anticipated family slideshows and movies in our pajamas with popcorn, of course. We went on a 3 week family trip each year and took our treks in the summer and winter to Minnesota. Family history books and stories.. People have shared stories and said that Ken always greeted them with a smile, was a good listener, was always in a happy mood and pleasant to be around.

We will celebrate Ken's life next summer in Minnesota with a military tribute. Time and place to be confirmed.

Ken wished for us to honor his Sister's, wife, and children who all experienced battles with Cancer. Feel free to donate to the American Cancer Society in his name.