Kenny Wohlers

Kenny Wohlers, 75 of Wendell passed away on Father's Day, Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Kenneth Robert Wohlers was born on September 17, 1949, in Graceville, Minnesota, to Marvin and Veronica (Kruger) Wohlers. He was baptized at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, celebrated First Holy Communion at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Dumont, and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chokio. He graduated from Chokio High School in 1967. He grew up doing chores and helping his parents on the farm with his siblings. He served six years in the Minnesota National Guard.

On September 27, 1969, Kenny married Connie Griffith at the Assumption Catholic Church in Morris. They celebrated over 55 years of marriage. To this union four children were born, Sheila, Tim, Heidi and Mitch. They lived in the Minneapolis and Alberta areas and moved to Elbow Lake in 1977, and finally to Wendell in 1986. He worked on a dairy farm for a short period of time, then Cenex Farmers Coop Oil in Wendell and while there he attended Manager School. He transferred to Elbow Lake Farmers Coop Oil, retiring in 2014. He also drove beet truck for many years during beet harvest, always making sure his grandchildren got a ride! Kenny enjoyed woodworking, making numerous projects including rocking chairs, doll cradles, doll houses, barns, bookshelves and cupboards for his kids and grandkids. They enjoyed many rides on his Honda Goldwing. He enjoyed bowling, golf, NASCAR Races, and always attended his kids and grandkids sporting and school events. He was always tinkering in the garage. For many decades they hosted the annual deer hunting weekend at “the shack” near Wendell. Kenny was an expert at “being quiet” while hunting! He also enjoyed his annual Canada fishing trips with his brothers and family.

Many camping trips were had with friends and family. Playing cards was an important hobby in his life, even on his very last day. Thousands of games were played with numerous people and groups. Not many people can recall a conversation with Ken that didn’t include a good joke. Kenny will be remembered for so many things, but especially for his quiet love and patience.

Kenny was a member of the Wendell Fire Department for twenty plus years. He was also a member of the St. Olaf Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife Connie, children Sheila and her children Bennett (Maya), Brett and Claire Christianson; Tim (Jill) Wohlers and their children Isaac, Reagan and Ashlyn Wohlers; Heidi (Bert) Huntley and their children Quinn, Sidney, Andrew and Max Huntley; and Mitch (Karla) Wohlers and their children Savannah and Charlie Wohlers; siblings, twin sister Sharon (Bob) Melberg, Donna (Clarence) Diedrich, Jerry (Donna) Wohlers; sister-in-law Connie Wohlers; sisters-in-law Nellie (Jim) Kern, Sandra Griffith-Nellen, Renee (Dan) Devereaux, Deb Griffith; brothers-in-law Rob (Rose) Griffith, Dan (Evelyn) Griffith, Joe (Julie) Griffith; and by numerous relatives and friends. He is also survived by all of his card playing friends.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Veronica Wohlers, grandson, Tyler Wohlers; siblings, Marlus (Donna), Melvin, Roger (Beverly), David Wohlers and Joyce (Bing) Kleindl (Earl Rahn); father and mother-in-law Jim and Marguerite Griffith; three brothers-in-law Pat Griffith, Bill Griffith and Butch Nellen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. 

A Memorial Service will be at 10:30 AM Monday, June 23, 2025, at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Elbow Lake.

Rosary starting at 3:30 PM on Sunday at St. Olaf's Catholic Church.

Visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 22 at St. Olaf Church and resuming one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Inurnment at St. Loretto Catholic Cemetery, rural Elbow Lake.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home.