Kenneth Welter

Kenneth "Ken" Duane Welter, 87, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away at Altru Hospital on Sunday, November 15, 2020.

Kenneth was born April 11, 1933 in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Roy & Clara Welter.  He grew up in Grand Forks, with his brother Gordon, and graduated from Central High School in 1951. He then went on to Aakers Business School in Grand Forks.

Ken met Marilynn J. Opdahl at a skating rink in Crookston, MN.  They were united in marriage on November 16th, 1953 in Crookston, MN.  Together they made their home in Grand Forks where they raised four children.

Everyone that knew Ken would describe him as kind, compassionate, and funny. He had a great mind for business and was always up for an adventure.  He was always available to help out friends and family at the drop of a hat. He was known by many and loved by all.

Ken served in the Army and spent time overseas (1953-1955) during the earlier years of his marriage to Marilynn. He then went on to work for his father at Welter’s Hydraulic & Marine, which he later took over. Ken always had a love for cars and was the first to bring Honda sales to Grand Forks, introducing Welter’s Honda. Later in life he found his love for real estate specializing in commercial real estate as well as running several commercial businesses in downtown Grand Forks. After retirement, he went on to sell cars part time at Twin City Motors. 

Ken had many hobbies; he ran a snowmobile racing team, showed Morgan horses, and had a love for all things Sioux, Vikings, and Premier Pontoons. He was also a very routine person; Toast, banana, and wheaties in the morning, sandwiches and Days of our Lives at lunch, then Wheel of Fortune at dinner time. Sundays were reserved for Vikings games. Ken also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He spent summers teaching them fishing, water skiing, swimming, an overall love for the outdoors but more so than that was patience, understanding, laughter, and perseverance. Marilynn was always the one to remember birthdays and sending the cards but Ken never missed the opportunity to serenade everyone with the birthday song right alongside her. 

Ken and Marilynn enjoyed spending time at their lake homes in Maple Lake, Lake Andrusia, and Cass Lake. It was always a special time to load up the pontoon and head over to Star Island. They both especially enjoyed wintering in Florida.  In the early years they would pack up all four kids in the Cadillac and would take the long trip to Tampa. 

Kenneth is survived by his children, Melanie (Bob) Johnson of East Grand Forks, MN, Randy (Barb) Welter of Murphy, NC, Diana Welter of Shakopee, MN; 11 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gordon, his wife Marilynn, his son, Craig, and his granddaughter, Alyssa.

Memorial Service: A celebration of life and sharing of memories will be held Spring 2021 at which time Ken will join his wife Marilynn and son Craig at Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks, MN.