George H. Wellen

George H. Wellen, age 83, of Highland, IL., died Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Faith Care Center in Highland, IL. He was born April 15, 1926, in St. Rose, IL., the son of John and Rose (nee Fehkler) Wellen. On October 5, 1949, he married Bernice A. (nee Schrage) Wellen , who survives. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church-Highland, IL; Usher Club of Church; Holy Name Society; Fourth Degree-Knights of Columbus Council 1580, Highland, IL; Madison County Farm Bureau; Catholic Holy Family Society, Belleville, IL; LST Assoc. Mr. Wellen was born in St. Rose, IL and lived there until age 1. He moved with his parents northeast of Highland; parents were well-known farmers. He helped on the farm; served with the US Navy, active duty during WWII, served on the USS LST-1138 and earned \"Master Diver\" certification. Returning back from the US Navy he worked for the Alton Box Board Company of Highland (now known as Jefferson Smurfit) for some 35 years, retiring in 1982. He was very active in the Knights of Columbus work, both Third and Fourth degree. He farmed all of his life and after retiring from the box company he became a full time farmer. He was very proud of being a farmer. He raised Black Angus cattle (they were his pets). He enjoyed being with his grandchildren and going to local restaurants for breakfast to visit family and friends. Survivors include wife-Bernice A. (nee Schrage) Wellen of Highland, Ill., three sons-Lowell G. (Denise) Wellen of Highland, Ill., Lee J. (Lucy) Wellen of Highland, Ill., and Luke T. (Sue) Wellen of Highland, Ill., a daughter-Laurie A. (Gary) Todt of Highland, Ill., a brother-John (Alice) Wellen of Highland, Ill., four sisters-Bernice Richter of Aviston, Ill., Rosemary Meyer of Highland, Ill., Dolores (Paul) Talleur of Highland, Ill., and Bernadette (Gerald) Sparlin of Highland, Ill., six grandchild-Travis L. (special friend-Stephanie Blankenship) Wellen of Highland, Ill., Leah M. Wellen of Highland, Ill., Tara L. Wellen of Highland, Ill., Michelle Y. (Michael) Spillers of Maryville, Ill., Marshall A. (Candance) Todt of St. Louis, Mo., Sydney S. Wellen of Highland, Ill., two great grandchildren-Jaisen E. Wellen of Highland, Ill. and Myles J. Spillers of Maryville, Ill. He was preceded in death by Father-John Henry Wellen, Sr. (died 04/06/1966), Mother-Rose Mary (nee Fehkler) Wellen (died 09/10/1984), Brother-Aloysius \"Al\" (Bernice) Wellen (died 04/30/2008), Sister-Theresa Carroll (died 08/12/1975)

George H. Wellen

April 15, 1926 - March 30, 2010