Kenneth Alpers

Kenneth William Alpers, age 90, went to be with his Lord on November 5, 2025. Kenneth was born in Red Wing on December 5, 1934, to George and Anna Alpers. He graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1952, and received a 2-year degree from Minneapolis Business College. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Ken married Hertha Kniesel on August 23, 1958 and they lived in Hopkins, Minnesota for 11 years before returning to Red Wing in 1969. He worked at Meyer Industries for 26 years and later at Red Wing Stoneware.

Ken was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir for many years, and held offices as Elder and as a school board member. Ken and Hertha helped provide meals for families in need. In 1972, they started the free Christmas dinner at Concordia Church in Red Wing and continued serving for 50 years. The dinner is still held today.

Kenneth is survived by children Elizabeth (Bruce) Carlstrom (Lake City), Laura (Barry) Back (Albert Lea), John (Jodie) Alpers (Red Wing), and Kurt (Michelle) Alpers (Cottage Grove), and one sister, Doris (Phil) Corson, in Utah. He had 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents George and Anna Alpers, sister Esther, brothers Elwin, Edmund, and Norman. His wife, Hertha, died in March, 2022.

Ken is remembered fondly by his family for his gentle spirit and sharp wit. It was his great joy in life to serve the Lord and help others. He enjoyed spending time fishing with his grandchildren, and playing Scrabble during family visits.

A memorial service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church on Monday, November 24th at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. to the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Concordia Lutheran Church, 1805 Bush Street, Red Wing, MN or Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.