Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minn.)

Jon Walen, 71, of Burnsville, formerly of Warrenville, Ill., passed away peacefully July 24, 2011. Raised in Hanska, Minn. and Ill. Administrator for the State of IL Dept. of Public Aid for over 25 years. Among other accomplishments, managed a pilot program that was instrumental in developing the federal Welfare to Work Program.

Preceded in death by wife, LaDonna; parents, Rev. Georg and Irene Walen. Survived by daughter, Alanna Walen (Jean Langehough); loving friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Twin Cities Women's Choir or NorthStar Great Pyrenees Rescue of Minn.