Kenneth W Gens

Lake Crystal Mortuary
648 South Main Street
Lake Crystal, MN 56055
507-726-6161

Kenneth W. Gens, age 91 of Lake Crystal, died Saturday, July 28, 2012, surrounded by his loving family at Mayo Clinic Health Systems of Mankato.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Crystal with Rev. Nancy Dreier officiating. Burial will be in Ceresco Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Ceresco Township, Blue Earth County. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 p.m., Tuesday at Lake Crystal Mortuary and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday. Memorials may be given to Ceresco Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

Kenneth Gens was born January 11, 1921 to William and Elsa (Zempel) Gens in the family farm in Ceresco Township, Blue Earth County. He graduated from Madelia High School and enlisted in the US Navy in 1940 after being accepted in the Navy School of Music. He served his county during World War II in the Pacific Theater and was discharged in 1946. He was married to Velma Siebels, they later divorced. Ken was married to Donna Mans on January 16, 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madelia. Ken was dedicated to farming the family farm the rest of his working life.

Ken was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Crystal, holding many church offices. He was a member and past commander of the Lake Crystal American Legion. Ken was a lifetime member of the Caledonia Curling Club in Mankato and served in various positions in the club. He was also a two time senior national curling champion. Ken also served at clerk of Ceresco Township.

Ken is remembered by his wife, Donna of Lake Crystal; sons, Gary (Ardis) Gens of Vernon Center, Kenton (Janelle) Gens of Mankato; three grandchildren, McKenna, Jaelyn, and Kolby; sister Darlene Heise of Gibbon, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Marvel Gens of Madelia; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Waldon, and sister Doris Engel.