John A. Wellen

John Anthony Wellen, age 85 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, July 17, 2014, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL. He was born on Saturday, July 28, 1928, in Highland, IL, the son of John Henry and Rose Mary (nee Fehlker) Wellen. On Tuesday, October 17, 1950, he married Alice M. Wellen (nee Beckmann) who survives. He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church. He was also a member of VFW Post #5694 Highland, Helvetia Sharpshooters Society, Madison County Farm Bureau, and the Holy Name Society. John was born at home, north east of Highland, where he grew up. He attended Immaculate Conception School in Pierron. He worked at Deutsch Egg Plant and Highland Box Board. Then, he served with the US Army in Korea during the Korean War. When he returned home, he worked at Highland Supply and as a carpenter for Gruenenfelder Lumber Co. and Linenfelser Lumber Co. He purchased a farm in 1956 and operated a dairy farm for 5 years, and then only grain. In the 1960's, he started Wellen Construction Co., retiring at age 65. He worked Bingo at the VFW for 50 years, was a member of a Bowling League, enjoyed bus trips with his wife all over the United States, and traveled to Hawaii and Germany. John had a great sense of humor. Survivors include: Wife - Alice M. Wellen nee Beckmann, Highland, IL Daughter - Linda L. (Steven) Heimsath, Highland, IL Son - Mark J. (Tamra) Wellen, Highland, IL Son - Larry G. (Mary Ann) Wellen, Highland, IL Daughter - Mary Rose (Dan) Hogan, Springfield, IL Daughter - Lisa M. (Joseph) Brinker, Highland, IL Son - Scott J. (Tracy) Wellen, Highland, IL Son - Jon N. (Teresa) Wellen, Highland, IL Grandchild - Kenny S. (Cynthia) Heimsath Grandchild - Amber E. (Stan) Krzystyniak Grandchild - Anthony J. "Tony" Heimsath Grandchild - Kyle T. Heimsath Grandchild - Corey A. Heimsath Grandchild - Michael J. Wellen Grandchild - Ashely N. Wellen Grandchild - Laura E. (Zach) Knebel Grandchild - Joe D. Wellen Grandchild - Danielle R. (David) Snediger Grandchild - Allison A. "Allie" Hogan Grandchild - Nicole C. "Nikki" Hogan Grandchild - Hunter T. Hogan Grandchild - Katelyn R. "Katie" Brinker Grandchild - Rory J. Brinker Grandchild - Grant S. Brinker Grandchild - Kelsey L. Wellen Grandchild - Zach S. Wellen Grandchild - Blake A. Wellen Grandchild - Brittani S. Wellen Grandchild - Olivia D. (Colton) Burleson Grandchild - Haylee Wellen Grandchild - Vanessa Wellen Grandchild - Nicholas Wellen Step Grandchild - Brenten Schneck Step Grandchild - Breana Schneck Step Grandchild - Baylee Schneck Step Grandchild - Eric J. Lengermann Great Grandchild - Alexander Krzystniak Great Grandchild - Tony Knebel Great Grandchild - Evan Knebel Great Grandchild - Reece Frailey Great Grandchild - Averie Burleson Great Grandchild - Bencen Burleson Step Great Grandchild - Masen Schneck Sister - Delores (Paul) Talleur, Highland, IL Sister - Rosemary Meyer, Highland, IL Brother In-law - Emmett (Norma) Caroll, Keysport, IL Sister In-law - Bernice (Mrs. George) Wellen, Highland, IL Brother In-law - Jerry Sparlin, Highland, IL Sister In-law - Bernice (Mrs. Aloysius) Wellen, Highland, IL Sister In-law - Dorothy Pollman, Carlyle, IL Sister In-law - Lucille Loepker, Breese, IL Brother In-law - Alvin Beckmann, Bartelso, IL Sister In-law - Christine Beckmann, Germantown, IL Brother In-law - Tony Lengermann, Highland, IL He was preceded in death by: Father - John Henry Wellen died 4/6/1966 Mother - Rose Mary Wellen nee Fehlker died 10/8/1983 Brother - George H. Wellen died 3/30/2010 Sister - Bernice Richter died 9/23/2013 Sister - Bernadette C. Sparlin died 1/12/2014 Sister - Theresa Caroll died 8/12/1975 Brother - Aloysius "Al" Wellen died 4/30/2008 Brother In-law - Virgil Richter Brother In-law - Norman Meyer Sister In-law - Eleanor Lengermann Sister In-law - Rita Hemker Brother In-law - William Beckmann Brother In-law - Frank Beckmann Brother In-law - Alphonse Pollman Brother In-law - Wendell Loepker Brother In-law - Vince Hemker Sister In-law - Frances Beckmann Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, July 20, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, on Monday, July 21, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 21, 2014, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Fr. Charles A. Edwards, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul School Educational Foundation.

John A. Wellen

July 28, 1928 - July 17, 2014