Kenneth Hulser

Kenneth was born in Akron, Colo., on Nov. 5, 1915. He was born to Frances J. Leppard and Jay G. Hulser. He attended a one room school in both Nebraska and Colorado. Kenneth and his family, which included siblings Virgil and Leona, moved from Nebraska to Walla Walla in March 1934.

He married Helen R. Fix on Aug. 29, 1937. They made their home and raised five children in Walla Walla. Kenneth was a veteran of WWII. He received the victory medal while serving in Japan in 1945-1946. He retired from the U.S. Corp of Engineers in 1973, after 30 years of service. The family enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to visit family and friends. Helen passed away in 1986, of e-coli.

At an early age of 7, he became a gifted musician. He self-taught himself to play various instruments and loved to perform for people. He continued playing the piano for family and guests. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elk’s Lodge, and the VFW.

He is survived by four children, Robert (Redyl) Hulser, Helen (John) Johnson, Elizabeth (Tom) Bradley, and James Hulser, all of Walla Walla; special companion, Verna Rencken Gruell and her family; the grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by both parents; daughter, Barbara Jean Knudson; grandson, Randy Knudson; brother, Virgil Hulser; sister, Leona Caudle.

Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Senior Citizen Center, and the Walla Walla Music Boosters through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. The Rosary will be held tonight, Nov. 23, 0215, at 7 p.m. and a private family graveside service will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla.