Kenneth Duane Marotzke was born on May 6, 1933, in Underwood Township, Redwood County, to Leonard and Gladys (Milbradt) Marotzke. He attended Milroy Public School through the eighth grade. In February, 1953, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the demilitarized zone in Korea for 16 months. He returned home in 1955 from the service and then worked for an automotive manufacturing company in California. Shortly after that Ken returned to Minnesota to work road construction. On May 6, 1957, he was united in marriage to Helen Brau at St Anne’s Catholic Church in Wabasso. After their marriage, Ken purchased a Milk Route by Wabasso. On March 1, 1960, the couple moved to their farm near Vesta where they raised their five children. Ken farmed full time until he moved to Marshall in 1990. He semi-retired in 2006 and continued to help on the farm until 2014.
Ken died suddenly on Friday, March 23, 2018, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall. He is survived by his wife, Helen, children Mike (and Lynae) of Vesta, Pat (and Steve) Verkinderen of Marshall, Joleen (and Joel) Irlbeck of Vesta, Gary (and Shannon) of Vesta and Tom (and Michelle) of Vesta. He is also survived by his only granddaughter Megan Irlbeck, grandsons Brandon (and Clara), Justin (and Heather) and Shane Irlbeck, Garrett, Gavin and Greysen Marotzke, Steven, Matthew, Nickolas and Jayson Marotzke; step-grandchildren Crystal (and Josh) Hintze and Joe (and Michelle) Engebretson; great-grandchildren Audrina, Brock, Lydia and Jolie Irlbeck; step-great grandchildren Hunter and Flynn Hintze and Jacob Engebretson; his nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Gladys Marotzke, sister and brother-in-law Jeannine and Willard Gross.
Ken will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his great love of his wife and his family and his passion for farming. He enjoyed reminiscing with old photos and telling stories and jokes. Ken was very hard working, kind-hearted and was always willing to help if he could. He will be greatly missed.
Blessed be his memory
