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Kenneth Welk Obituary
Kenneth retired from Ford Motor Company and was an accomplished harmonica player for over 30 years. His performances, filled with deep feeling and soul, touched many. An avid collector, Kenneth cherished 1950s monster movies, DVDs, albums, and 45s, and enjoyed sharing his collections at various shows.
He is survived by his wife, three sons, a daughter, a step-daughter, a sister-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, step-father, grandparents, and two brothers.
A service will be held in the spring of 2025 at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, honoring his veteran status.
Kenneth's life was marked by his outgoing nature, his love for his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his profound impact on others through his music and warmth. His legacy of kindness and passion for life will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
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Dan Richmond
July 11, 2025
Throughout the entire decade of the 1980s, my wife and I would follow Kenny and PBB to most places they played. That was mostly The Delta Lady in Ferndale and to what the bassist "Marko" called "The Good Slime (Time)" Bar in Livonia Back then, even Bugs was a guitarist despite his expressed love of that trombone and flute of his.
Early on, Kenny gcve me a 90 minute cassette of his "Homemade Copy" of an LP he had of a Harp player that he said inspired him; that was when Charlie Musselwhite was featured with the Dynatones. That tape really expanded my perspective on blues music so I learned quite a bit from Kenny.
And knowing Kenny´s love of horror films, early on the four of us (yes, you Jud..oops Zena, Kenny, my wife & I ) went to see a film I´d read about that I believe was playing at the Royal Oak Theater. It was called "Basket Case" Although Kenny had said he´d neither seen it nor heard of it before, we "Blindly" went and later Kenny confided it was one of the best he´d ever seen. (Most reviewers gave it between 7-8 out of 10). That decade was filled with great music, fun and friendship. As Kenny would say when the Band´s show would conclude....., "Lights Out Everybody!)
Zena Welk
May 24, 2025
Lowell Cauffiel
April 16, 2025
THE GREATEST -- How did I ever miss his passing? My condolences to Zena and all his family. I've never played with a harmonica player who was his equal and will cherish those two decades we played together in PBB. Unfortunately, I loss all the band recordings, photo and records in the Palisades fire in January here in California. Otherwise I could post so much. Zena, please reach out to me on Facebook. God's speed, Kenny.
James Green
February 12, 2025
Kenny,had a great laugh, always smiling he was a true friend. And I'm going to miss him.
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Ida Shariff
November 27, 2024
I will never forget how Bobo cried on my 16th birthday. He just wanted to go back and play Barbie´s with me. I had never seen him cry before nor had anyone else cry that day. Just him. It was the most heartwarming moment we shared. I love you so much Da.
Weatherly
November 22, 2024
Kken always made Halloween so fun and special, every year when I was a kid he would take us trick or treating and we would go to his house after and devour all the candy we got. Love you Kken forever
Weatherly
November 22, 2024
I have lots and lots and memories of my amazing grandpa, and I´m very thankful to have had such a great man in my life. My most recent memory of grandpa would be when we went to a lighthouse together in ponce inlet.
Cathy Jennings
November 15, 2024
I first met Kenny when Garrett Kazanowski brought me to hear their band The Progressive Blues Band. All of the guys were great but Kenny was so smooth and cool when he played his harmonica. Such a talented and authentic musician! I remember him always smiling and very sweet. The picture I´ve added is Kenny and the PBB playing at our wedding. They were kind enough to allow my aunt´s brother to play the tambourine.
Ray Smith
November 15, 2024
I first met Kenny about 12 years ago while he was performing at Callaghan´s. He was an exceptional payer of the harmonica. He always struck me as genuinely nice guy; kind to all. He´ll be truly missed.
Barbara Wozny
November 14, 2024
Kenny was my brother in law. He was a man who truly loved his family. I attended a few of his gigs and was amazed how talented he was, a stellar musician with vocals to match. I will miss my brother in law with all my heart. RIP, the heavens have gained another angel.
Lisa wozny
November 14, 2024
I miss his music and going to watch him play his harp.
A great man and a legend.
Darryl Pierce
November 13, 2024
The First gig I did with Kenny was at the Delta Lady in Ferndale with the Progressive Blues Band!! He struck me as an amazing Artist!!
Vickee Csernits
November 13, 2024
When he played Harp with the Progressive Blues Band! At the Delta Lady in Ferndale!
Cheryl Smith
November 13, 2024
I met Kenny at my graduation party. A few weeks later was the first time I saw him play at the Delta Lady. I´ve never heard blues music before. Over the years, I´ve seem
Him play at various venues. Their house was always decked out for Halloween. I loved going over and visiting. He is definitely missed. Heaven has gained an amazing man and harp player.
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