Walter Joseph Kehren

Walter J Kehren was born December 14, 1925 to Hannah and Joseph Kehren of Belvedere. He was baptized into the Christian faith Jan 24, 1926 and confirmed that faith May 12, 1940. Living a life of faith, Walter was called home October 22, 2023.

He grew up in a family of boys with one older sister, Marie. World War II and birth order determined that he would be a farmer. School stopped at 8th grade and life commenced. He met his bride at Young Peoples Society at St. Peter’s Church, Belvedere, and married Elaine Marie Corleus August 27, 1948. Their union produced 9 children, 27 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren!

Walter loved singing and as a young man performed in the Belvedere quartet, hauling the piano along as needed! Into adult years he served on the Chester Town Board, and as Chester Township Supervisor. He served as Chairman of Wabasha County Farm Bureau and also served on the Reinvest in Minnesota program. He sang in the church choir at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake City, where he also served as an Elder and on the school board for St. John’s School. In recent years, his contribution was faithfulness in worship and visiting sick or alone people with an encouraging word of God’s blessing. During his retirement from farming, he and his wife traveled the US extensively; last year reaching Hawaii, marking the 50th and last state that he had yet to visit!

He is preceded in death by his sister, Doris and brother, Eugene, his parents; his grandson Jacob Kehren, his daughter, Joanne Osterlin, his brother Bernard and Reinhold Kehren, His daughter-in-law, Judy Kehren, his wife, Elaine Marie Kehren and his son-in-law, Michael Osterlin.

He is survived by his sister, Marie Deavon; brother, Ray; sons, Steven, Joe, David (Mary Jo), Daniel (Sheila), Paul (Kelly), and Philip (Annette); daughters, Mary (Tom) Olmsted, Ruth (Jeff) Lee; his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Walter missed those he loved who had gone before as we now miss him. And together with him we look forward to the day Christ returns and death is no more.

A visitation will be held at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Anderson – Peterson Chapel in Lake City on Monday November 6th from 5 to 7 pm. His memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake City on Tuesday November 7th at 2 pm with lunch to follow in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Church.

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