Kenneth Emanuel Ken Edstrom

Edstrom, Kenneth Emanuel Ken, beloved husband, father, grandfather passed away at the age of 87 on Monday, May 1, 2012. Born to Albert and Mabel (Olson) Edstrom on a farm in North Branch, Minnesota on October 6, 1924, Ken was one of 9 children. He was a US Navy Electrician's Mate 3rd Class on the destroyer USS Douglas H. Fox in the Pacific during the Second World War. Ken graduated from the Minnesota School of Business after his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946. His professional career took him to Winnipeg, Canada where he worked for Peavey/National/Cargill Grain. Ken worked his way up the corporate ladder to become the CFO in Canada. He returned to Cargill's Minnetonka headquarters in 1985, and retired in 1988 as a Vice President-Controller. Ken married Alice W. Everson on October 6, 1951, and the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Family was always a priority to Ken and he loved them dearly. When Ken was not at work or busy with family, he spent his time converting "The Bus" into a motor home, and travelling with the family each summer. An active member of church, Ken volunteered many hours and made lifelong friendships with members. Ken was a 50-year Mason and a part of the Cargill 25 yr. Club. Ken was predeceased by his parents and 8 siblings. He is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Jane, Karen and Mark (Kathy); granddaughter, Jae (Brent); sisters-in-law, Betty Edstrom and Irene Grover; cousin, Donald (Marilyn); and many nieces and nephews. Thanks to the nurses and staff at Methodist Hospital for their kindness and support, and Pastor Valerie Strand-Patterson for her comfort and support during this last week. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth, MN 55447. Reception to follow. Memorial to charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.