David Eugene Welter

1935-2024

David Eugene Welter, 89, of Gilman, passed away on July 28, 2024. His story began in Minnesota when he was born on March 2 of 1935 in Bemidji to Matthew and Mary Welter. Dave was raised on a farmstead with his four siblings, Paul, Norene, Erland, and Joanne, all of whom preceded him in death. He served in the army during the Korean War and then attended Bemidji State.

He initially took a job in the business world but then moved into the educational profession. After taking a teaching position in Stratford, it was there that he met his wife of almost 60 years, Patricia Ann (Larsen) Welter and then spent the next 30 plus years as a teacher, principal or Superintendent of schools throughout the State of Wisconsin serving the communities of Webster, Stratford, Chippewa Falls, Solon Springs, Antigo, Lancaster, Elkhart Lake, Butternut, Gilman, and Goodman Armstrong Creek.

He was actively involved in the Catholic Church as a Lector, choir member or one of many other roles. He often served as a member of the local Lions Club or other men’s club in town, always donating his time as an integral part of each community. Dave shared his love of the outdoors and sports with his six children, Craig, Michael, John, Kristin, Andrea, and Patrick. He took advantage of his role at the various school districts and ran camps for his kids and many of their friends, opening the gyms up on weekends for drills and competition. He also spent time in the woods hunting, fishing, whether on the water or ice, boating, and was always in attendance at the many athletic competitions supporting his children whether that be basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, or football.

Dave was a storyteller, a leader and a loyal friend, father and husband who would always go out of his way to take care of those he loved. His legacy will carry on with his wife, children, and grandchildren at every family gathering, weekends at the cabin and ballgames. A Pabst at the fire, old fashioned at the holidays, frosty morning on the deer stand, Friday fish fry and so many other occasions will remind us of this wonderful man God blessed this world with.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pat; his children, Craig (Donna) Welter of Plainfield, Ill., John (Stacey) Welter, Kristin (Jamie Derr) Rhyner and daughter in law, Pam Welter, all of Marshfield, Andrew Welter of Denver, Colo., and Patrick Welter of Jackson, Wyo.; and six grandchildren, Nicholas, Alex, Kristiana, Ethan, Mason and Morgan. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his son, Michael.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church-Gilman with Father Joseph Stefancin officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 until mass at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery-Spooner. Plombon Funeral Service assisted the family.

Paid Obituary 156179