Kenneth Erwin Wotschke age 73 of rural Wabasso passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the Redwood Area Hospital in Redwood Falls.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vesta.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday AT THE CURCH with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.  Visitation will then continue one hour prior to the services on Thursday.  Interment is in the Vesta Cemetery.   Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kenneth Wotschke was born June 14, 1939 to Erwin & Edna (Stage) Wotschke on a farm near Vesta.  On July 2, 1939 he was baptized, and was confirmed May 31, 1953 both at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vesta.  Kenn attended school at Seaforth, and Wabasso High School graduating in 1957.  He then worked for Vesta Feed Service, and helped shell corn for a lot of farmers.  Kenn was a very active member of his church.  He was involved in Sunday School, and the church board for many years.  He also served on the church building committee in 1974- 1975.  Kenn loved farming, and raised hogs and cattle.  On August 1, 1959, Kenneth was united in marriage to Janet Nissel at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lucan.  March 1, 1960, they moved to a farm near Lucan where Darcee and Wendy were born.  In March 1964 they moved to a farm near Morgan where Bruce was born.  In 1968, they moved back to Seaforth, and in September 1984 they moved to Janet’s parents’ home where they still live.  Kenn retired from farming in 2005 due to his health.  Kenn entered the Parkview Home in Belview November 7, 2012.  He loved to play Old Time Music, and played with many bands.  He also loved spending time with his grandkids.

Kenn is survived by his wife Janet of 53 years; children: Darcee (Tim) Bauman of Olivia, Wendy Wotschke of Vesta, and Bruce (Shelly) Wotschke of Vesta; six grandchildren: Melissa (Adam) Benhardt, Nick (fiancée Breanna) Bauman, Curt Bauman, and Mike, Dan & Jennie Wotschke; great granddaughter Lilly Bauman; sister Norma (Darold) Zimmer of Alexandria; aunt Elvera Meyer of Vesta; and many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents.