Albert Kenneth "Ken" Axelson

A. Kenneth “Ken” Axelson, age 100, of Wanamingo, Minnesota, died peacefully with his family surrounding him on Thursday, April 11, 2024. He was born in Welch, Minnesota on April 2, 1924, to Henry and Esther (Norell) Axelson. Ken was a 1943 graduate of Red Wing High School. He served in the United States Army as a medic assigned to the 93^rd Medical Collecting Company attached to the 348 Engineers and landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, during the Allied invasion of France. Ken spent the summer of 1944 working in the first air evacuation hospital on Omaha Beach. In the fall of 1944, Ken transferred to the 2^nd Battalion of the 502 Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101^st Airborne Division. Ken’s Division was sent to Belgium to defend American positions during the Siege of Bastogne in December 1944. After being surrounded for two weeks, Ken’s position was overrun by German tanks, and he was taken prisoner on January 3, 1945. Ken was held captive until being liberated by American troops on his 21^st birthday, April 2, 1945.

Ken married Willene “Billie” Dalluhn on May 6, 1950. Ken and Billie lived most of their life in Wanamingo raising six children. Ken worked as a carpenter, Goodhue County Building Inspector for 10 years, and photographer. Ken served on the Wanamingo City Counsel for 20 years, the Wanamingo Volunteer Fire Department, and the Wanamingo VFW Quamme Post 186. Ken enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter.

Ken is survived by three sons, Larry of Wanamingo, MN, Dale (Sheri) of Florence, AZ, Jon (Lupe) of Fountain Hills, AZ; three daughters, Beth (Steve) Weisbecker of Mankato, MN, Bonnie (Paul) Peterson of Brainerd, MN, and Jennifer (David) Sanneman of Byron, MN; 13 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. 

Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Billie; parents; three brothers, Franklin, Edward, and Gilbert Axelson; and two sisters, Alice Holmes and Ilene Scrivner. 

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Dave Sorenson officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery in Welch, MN. Full military honors will be provided by the Wanamingo Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Wanamingo VFW Quamme Post 186 or the Wanamingo Veterans Honor Guard. Arrangements made by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel.