Kenneth Arden Block

Kenneth Arden Block, 84 of Mankato, MN passed away December 11, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family after a four - month battle with acute leukemia.  

Services will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the Lafayette Cemetery in Lafayette, MN where full military honors will be provided.

Ken was born in Harvey, North Dakota to Andrew and Evelyn (Foss) Block on February 24, 1940. He grew up in Harvey and graduated from Harvey high school in 1958. He enlisted and served in the US Marine Corps from 1958 - 1961.

He was united in marriage to Eileen Davidson on December 28, 1963 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. He went on to graduate from Winona State University with a BA degree in business. He was employed with the state correction center in Sauk Center, MN then went on to work with the Department of Natural Resources in New Ulm, MN. as the regional business manager for 30 years.

Ken served as president of the church council, worked as youth adviser for Luther league, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. He was a 4-H leader and Cub Scout leader. Ken was involved and enjoyed being a part of all his children’s activities. He had a love for gardening and developing community rain gardens for all to enjoy. Ken and Eileen spent 18 enjoyable years wintering in Mesa, Arizona where they established long lasting friendships. Ken was a member of the lawn bowling club.

Ken is survived by his wife, Eileen of 61 years. His children Michael Block of Woodstock, GA, Bill (Kris) Block of Mankato, Kristina (Jeff) Rose of Ankeny IA, Jonathan Block of Columbia Heights, Jennifer VanHorn of Shakopee, and Kenny Block of Dallas GA; 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild all who he absolutely loved and adored; sisters, Luella (Stan) Schroeder of Ellensburg, WA, Lillian (Dalton) Kohlman of Minot, ND; many nieces and nephews. 

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gisli and Gudrun Davidson, brother Jacob Block, many brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, and nephews.

Ken will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend to many. His faith, love, kindness, generosity, sense of humor and positive outlook on life will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and will miss him deeply.