Gene Welle

Gene W. Welle, 82, Bismarck, died November 11, 2006 at a local hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday at the Church of St. Mary's with Rev. Bruce Krebs officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a vigil will be held at 7:00 PM with Randy Frohlich presiding. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, in Mandan with military rites provided by VFW Post 1326. Gene William Welle was born on September 18, 1924, in Waubun, MN, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Welle. Gene grew up farming in Waubun, MN. He served our country in Japan during WWII and the Korean conflict. On September 13, 1952, Gene married Elaine Hanson in Moorhead, MN. In 1962, the family moved to Bismarck, ND. Gene owned and operated Gene Welle Construction from 1952 until 1977, when he retired at the age of 54. Gene was a member of the Church of St. Mary's, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Amvets, Eagles, and was a life member of VFW. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, wood-working, traveling, cards, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a special man, a spirited fun-loving prankster who was seldom seen sitting still. Gene gave his children the gift of life and then set the example of how to live it. He was the most incredible husband, father, and friend a person could ever know and will always be missed and never forgotten. He was our original iron-man. Gene is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elaine; his children, Gene A. Welle of Bismarck, ND, Cindy Ed Steidler of Mesa, AZ, Bob Amy Welle of Parker, CO, Richard Cheryl Welle of Gastonia, NC, Carla Glen Keller of Fargo, ND, and Renee Welle of Bismarck, ND; his grandchildren, Jodie and Travis Welle, Victoria and Bryce Steidler, Amber Welle, Alex, Madison, Hayden, and Landon Welle and Gene, April, and Tallen Keller; his great-grandchildren, Dalton Welle and Jacksen Welle; his two brothers and three sisters-in-law, Edwin Lorraine of Detroit Lakes, MN, Raymond Dorothy of Nevis, MN, and Shirley Welle of Mahnoman, MN; his sister and brother-in-law, Marie Ray Eickstadt of Mead, WA; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Orville Gable of Bismarck, ND. Gene is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Art and Harvey.

Gene Welle

September 18, 1924 - November 11, 2006