Kenneth James Engelhardt, 93, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at Good Samaritan Society – Comforcare.

Ken was born to August and Margaret (Cordts) Engelhardt on May 2, 1926, in Browns Valley, Minnesota. In 1944, he graduated from Frazee High School and furthered his education at North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota. He graduated in 1951 with a degree in pharmacy. Ken served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1944–48. On Aug. 19, 1951, Ken was united in marriage to Viola Bunkowske in Vergas, Minnesota. To this union, three children were born: Mike, Mary and Jon. Ken worked as a pharmacist in Crookston, Minnesota, until 1957. He then purchased a drug store in Ada, Minnesota, that came complete with a soda fountain. Ken renamed the store Engelhardt Drug. The store suffered a fire, but Ken rebuilt and owned and operated the pharmacy until his retirement in 1990. Ken enjoyed golfing, where he even achieved a ‘hole in one,’ bowling, playing cards and spending time with his family. Being a dad for his three children was his most cherished role. Ken belonged to the Zion Lutheran Church in Ada and at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin, where he served as an elder and was very active. Ken was a wonderful example to his family; a son and granddaughter continued in his footsteps as pharmacists. His faith was a wonderful example to his entire family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include three children, Mike Engelhardt of St. Paul, Minnesota, Mary (Dean) Vilmo of Savage, Minnesota, and Jon (Ginger) Engelhardt of Austin; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Darrell Engelhardt and Lowell Engelhardt. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Viola; brother, Robert; and two sisters-in-law, Beverly and Sandra.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor James Groleau officiating. Visitation will be held two hours before the service on Monday at the church. Interment will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Vergas. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Memorials can be directed to donor’s choice. Services are prearranged and performed with Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.