Kenneth Earl Tilsen

Kenneth Earl Tilsen died after a long illness on September 1, 2013 in Hudson Wisconsin. He was a beloved champion for justice, peace, and the rule of law. His clients and cases included: The Civil Rights Movement, draft and military resistors, the Minnesota 8, the Sanctuary Movement, the struggle of farmers to stop the Powerline in central Minnesota, The Honeywell Project, legal director of the Wounded Knee Defense, the campaigns of Gene McCarthy, George McGovern and Paul Wellstone. He was named one of Minnesota’s 100 most influential lawyers of all time, received the ACLU Earl Larson Award, the National Lawyers Guild Lifetime Contribution to Social Justice Award and others. Ken was proud of the many lawyers and activists who he mentored. He is preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Tilsen; and his sister, Jean Brust; and brother, Benjamin Tilsen. He is survived by his partner, Connie Goldman; brother, Bob (Sandy) Tilsen; sisters, Mimi Marvy and Rosemary Massey; his children, David (Barb) Tilsen, Jocelyn Tilsen (Jim Bour), Judge Judy Tilsen, Daniel Tilsen (Kimberly Nightingale), Mark Tilsen; over 20 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and loyal canine Mork. Graveside service WEDNESDAY, September 4th, 11:00AM, TEMPLE OF AARON CEMETERY, Dale and Larpenteur, St. Paul. Additional information can be found at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/kentilsen.