James C. Welchlen

James Charles Welchlen, age 87 of Marine, IL, died Friday, May 03, 2013, at his residence in Marine, IL. He was born September 28, 1925, in Highland, IL, the son of John - and Martha Emma (nee Landolt) Welchlen. On June 28, 1947, he married Wilma Theresa Frank who passed away on December 24, 2012. He was a member of Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church. He was also a member of V.F.W. Post 5694-Highland, IL; former Commander in 1971 and 1972; Knights of Columbus-Highland Council #1580-Highland, IL; Laborer\'s Local #397-Granite City, IL. Mr. Welchlen was born on a farm near Highland, IL; he attended Saint Paul Schools in Highland. He served as a Seaman First Class with the U.S. Navy during World War II with duty on a Destroyer in the South Pacific. He had started working as a milk hauler at age 14; he also had worked at the Egg Plant in Highland. After his military service he worked at Highland Supply Corporation in Highland, and did construction work as a Laborer out of Local #397. He worked at Illinois Power (now Ameren) for over 25 years at Granite City as a backhoe operator. He retired in 1987. Mr. Welchlen has always been active with the local V.F.W. Post. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Survivors include : Son - David J. (Debbie) Welchlen, Vandalia, IL Son - Michael J. (Sharon) Welchlen, Marine, IL Daughter - Catherine A. (Charlie) Stewart, Marine, IL Daughter - Mary M. (Keith) Alldredge, Marine, IL Grandchild - Gregory C. (Jennifer L.) Stewart, Mt. Pleasant, SC Grandchild - James R. (Jennifer D.) Stewart, Highland, IL Grandchild - Jason T. Welchlen, Lynchburg, TN Grandchild - Tara M. (Trevor) Wright, Beecher City, IL Grandchild - Ty M. (Yvette) Welchlen, Marine, IL Grandchild - Amber R. (Jeff) Kessler, St. Charles, MO Grandchild - Jenna L. (Justin) Lock, El Paso, TX Grandchild - Jennifer L. (Richard) Box, Highland, IL Grandchild - Kristen E. (Brian) Elder, Marine, IL Grandchild - Leah M. Alldredge, Marine, IL Great Grandchild - Ashley Stewart Great Grandchild - Matthew Stewart Great Grandchild - Thomas Stewart Great Grandchild - Riley Stewart Great Grandchild - Taylor Stewart Great Grandchild - Emmalyn Wright Great Grandchild - Ethyn Wright Great Grandchild - Colton Welchlen Great Grandchild - Paige Kessler Great Grandchild - Isabella Kessler Great Grandchild - Breckin Box Great Grandchild - Brinson Box Great Grandchild - Braxton Box He was preceded in death by : Father - John Welchlen Mother - Martha E. Welchlen nee Landolt Wife - Wilma T. Welchlen nee Frank died 12/24/2012 Sister - Jennie J. Goestenkors died 3/19/2000 Sister - Lucille Schwarz died 9/23/2007 Brother - Burnell Welchlen died 7/4/2003 Sister - Loraine E. Schwarz died 12/7/1992 Brother - Lester Welchlen died 7/23/1997 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

James C. Welchlen

September 28, 1925 - May 3, 2013