Kenneth W. Arsers - New Ulm

Kenneth W. Arsers, 82, of New Ulm, died Monday, May 14, 2012, at his home in New Ulm.

Ken was born March 6, 1930, in Kingsville, Texas, the son of Clarence and Bessie (Passmore) Arsers. He attended elementary and high school in Chatfield and began his musical training under his father, Clarence Arsers who was the instrumental music teacher at Chatfield Public Schools. Ken developed into an outstanding French horn player who won many number one ratings as a soloist in district and state music contests.

Upon his graduation in June 1948, he became a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. joining his brother, Bill in the French horn section. During his career with the Navy Band, Ken participated in six Presidential Inaugural Parades, ceremonies at the White House, concerts in the Washington DC area, funerals at Arlington Cemetery and numerous national concert tours with the Navy Band.

After his retirement from the Navy in 1969, Ken managed several clubs in the Washington DC area and in 1976 he became the assistant manager of the concert hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts. During the 10 years he was in that position, Ken was associated with many of the famous musical artists and celebrities of that time. In 2003 Ken returned to Minnesota and has lived in New Ulm until the time of his death. He was a member of the New Ulm American Legion Post 132.

Ken is survived by a daughter, India Imbs of Ashburn, Va.; brothers, John and Sam of New Ulm; sisters, Clarice of New Ulm and Lorraine Kohlmeyer of Rochester; cousins, nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bill.

A memorial service for Ken was held Monday, May 21, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm. Burial was in the Soldiers Rest section of the New Ulm City Cemetery, with full military honors performed by the New Ulm Honor Guard.