Kenny J. Wellen, age 69, of Albers, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 18, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born February 22, 1957, in Breese, a son of the late Alphonse and Josephine (nee Wellinghoff) Wellen.
Kenny married his loving wife, Brenda Wellen (nee Woltering) on October 19, 1990, in Carlyle and she survives in Albers. In addition to his wife, Kenny is survived by his children, Tanya (Norman) Ferguson of Trenton, Pamela (Ryan) Voss of Breese, Derrek Wellen of Maryville, and Travis (friend, Abby) Wellen of Albers; grandchildren, Serena (fiancé, Thomas) Voss, Callie Ferguson, Xander Voss, and Hannah Wellen; siblings, Linda Singleton of Granite City, Roger (Celie) Wellen of Swansea, and David (Bonnie) Wellen of Albers; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Linda Sandelin of St. Rose, Karen Aughenbaugh of Indianapolis, IN, Sandy (Lyle) Johnson of Breese, and Eric (Sandy) Woltering of Farmington, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by his sister, Betty (Hubert) Schulte; parents-in-law, Victor and Mary (nee Hilmes) Woltering; brothers-in-law, Dale Sandelin and Kevin Woltering; and nephew, Luke Woltering.
Kenny was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent much of his life serving his community. He began his working career alongside his brother at Wellen Radio & TV Services in Albers while also serving as a school bus driver for many years. He later took on the role of school and church custodian, where he became a familiar and dependable face for many years until his retirement in 2021. Kenny also faithfully served as the St. Bernard Cemetery sexton for a number of years and was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers.
Outside of work, Kenny was a man of many interests and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid collector of HO scale trains, die-cast jet planes, and model Corvettes, reflecting his lifelong passion for the iconic sports car. He also enjoyed coin collecting and took great pride in his collections. Kenny had a special place in his heart for his beloved fur babies, Bailey and Roscoe, who brought him endless companionship and joy. Above all, Kenny treasured his family and the time they shared together.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers with Fr. Matthew Elie presiding and Deacon Glenn Netemeyer assisting. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 8:00 – 9:15 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital or St. Bernard Cemetery Committee and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com.