Kenneth Laverne Wellman, age 89 formerly Virginia, died on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Cornerstone Villa in Buhl.  He was born on August 30, 1936, in St. James, Minnesota, the son of Glenn and Myrtle Wellman.  He was a 1955 graduate of the St. James High School. Ken married Shirley Jean Berge on June 2, 1957, in Iowa, and served in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Ken earned his B.A. from Mankato State University. His seminary work was done at Garrett Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University at Evanston IL and while there he earned his Master of Divinity Degree in 1968.  Ken enjoyed and celebrated God’s creation, spending many hours in the great outdoors hunting, fishing, and enjoying nature’s beauty. 

Ken received his first appointment as a Methodist Minister in 1958 and served many congregations throughout the state over his 42-year career.  He most recently served the United Methodist Church in Virginia from 1997 until his retirement in 2001.  

He is survived by his daughter: Mary Wellman of Virginia.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; Wife Shirley, and sons Michael and Todd.

Per Ken’s request, there will be no funeral service.

Ken and Shirley will be laid to rest alongside Michael and Todd at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James, MN.

Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.  To leave a remembrance of Ken online, see www.baumanfuneral.com