Kenneth "Ken" Vernon Lundquist

A Memorial Service for Ken will be held on Sunday, January 14th, at 2p.m., at University Lutheran Church of Hope (601 13th Ave. SE, Mpls.), with a visitation an hour prior and reception following. You may also join the service online via YouTube. The link is https://www.youtube.com/@ulch. A special musical Prelude will begin at 1:45p.m.

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Kenneth (Ken) Vernon Lundquist, age 73, passed away from cancer on December 12th, 2023, at Our Lady of Peace Hospice Residence in Saint Paul, MN. Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Virginia, and father, Alfred Vernon Lundquist. Survived by his wife of 50 years, Alpha Christine Lundquist (Nelson); daughters, Sarah (Thomas; son Jack) Bader, and Laura (Daniel; son Irving) Lundquist-Peskorz; sister and brother-in-law, Carolee Nelson-Hall, and David Hall; and many dear nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ken was born in Austin, MN on March 27th, 1950, and moved with his parents to Minneapolis at a young age. His early years would shape his future academic and professional choices. As a child of blind parents and relatives, who were professional musicians and involved advocates in the blind community, it was easy to understand where Ken's passions for music and social justice began.

Upon graduation from the University of Minnesota, Ken married his soulmate and high school sweetheart, Alpha Nelson, on June 2nd, 1973. They raised two daughters, Sarah, and Laura, in their South Minneapolis home. Ken was a beloved father who always "showed up". A long involvement with the YMCA Dads and Daughters program; a park board softball coach; proud tennis dad; and taking his girls on annual trips to the MSRA "Back to the '50's" car shows, were especially memorable.

Ken's Vocational Rehabilitation professional career spanned 40 years. Ken worked for the State of MN, private rehabilitation facilities, and non-profit institutions until his retirement in July 2016. He held a variety of positions from Counselor, Manager, and Vice President. He is fondly remembered as a past President of MRA where he played drums with The Party Monsters at annual conferences that mixed work with a lot of play.

A musician from high school, Ken kept the beat as a drummer playing professionally in Rock & Roll bands beginning in 1965 including The Emports, The Syndicate, and The Blutopians. A longtime member of The World's Most Dangerous Polka Band at Nye's Bar in Northeast Minneapolis, until the landmark closed for renovation, was one of his musical highlights.

Ken fulfilled his dream of building a cabin in Northern MN where many memories were made, and his love of fishing and custom rod building were lovingly passed down to the next generation.

Ken taught his girls by example that optimism, humor, and commitment to social justice and relationships are important ingredients of one's character. He made people feel safe, heard, and ultimately, loved. He established himself as a leader without taking himself too seriously. A devoted father, son, and husband. A friend to many who believed that when you care for others, we ALL will thrive.

A Memorial Service for Ken will be held on Sunday, January 14th, at 2p.m., at University Lutheran Church of Hope (601 13th Ave. SE, Mpls.), with a visitation an hour prior and reception following. You may also join the service online via YouTube. The link is https://www.youtube.com/@ulch. A special musical Prelude will begin at 1:45p.m. Private interment at Grandview Park Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the family for distribution per Ken's charitable designations.