Kenneth D. Saulsbury, 86, of Willmar
Kenneth D. Saulsbury, 86, of Willmar, died Sunday, November 3rd at Copperleaf Senior Living Community in Willmar. His funeral will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, November 7th at Eagle Lake Lutheran Church, rural Willmar. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm, Wednesday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. www.hafh.org
Kenneth was born on October 19, 1927, in Stevens County, Minnesota the son of Vern and Minnie (Reinke) Saulsbury. He was baptized in Malta Township, Big Stone County and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton. He attended rural schools near Clinton.
On January 5, 1946, he was united in marriage to Gerda Larson. To this union three sons and a daughter were born. They lived in Appleton where he was a co-owner of a plumbing store until moving to Willmar in 1966. Kenneth carried the Master’s Plumbing License for Knigge Plumbing and Heating before establishing his own, Ken Saulsbury Plumbing and Heating in 1972. Ken retired in 1989.
As the children were young, Ken volunteered as a Cub Master for Cub Scouts and taught Sunday school. Ken and Gerda loved music, singing and playing together at many events and locations in the area. He served his communities by being a member of the Appleton Fire Department and following retirement he belonged to the Willmar Senior Center. In 2003, Kenneth was honored with being the Senior King. While being a member of Eagle Lake Lutheran Church, Ken was heavily involved in the maintenance of the church and served as an usher.
Surviving are his wife, Gerda; children: Robert (and Jan) Saulsbury of Willmar; Lonny Saulsbury of Albertville; Bonnie (and Pete) McKenzie of Willmar and daughter-in-law, Jane Saulsbury of Murdock; 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 4 great, great grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, son, Rick; step-son, Eddie; granddaughter, Abby Saulsbury and daughter-in-law, Donna Saulsbury.
