Donald L. Welling's Obituary
Mr. Donald L. Welling, age 92, of Grand Haven passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at home. He was born July 15, 1923 on the family farm in Coopersville to Jacob and Lyda (Vandervorm) Welling. He was the youngest of four children. His family moved to Grand Haven to become celery farmers when Don was 3 years old. He graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1941 and began working at the Grand Haven Brass Foundry for 32 ½ cents an hour.
When the foundry went on strike Don’s good friend, Corky Beukema, talked him into going to Michigan State College. Tuition at the time was $40 per term and room rent was $1.00 per week. Don also needed to eat so Corky got him a job working in the kitchen at the girls’ dormitory, where he worked for his meals.
In 1942, before completing his college degree, Don joined the Army. He arrived in Casablanca, North Africa, on Thanksgiving Day 1943. After more than 300 days of combat with the famous 3rd Infantry Division, surviving six battles and a couple of invasions (including four months on the Anzio Beachhead and the invasion of Southern France), he ended up in Bertesgarden, Austria. Upon reflection of his time spent overseas Don often commented that “it didn’t hurt to be a little lucky”.
He returned to MSU and received his commission and graduated with honors, earning a bachelor’s of science degree in civil engineering. He was then called back to the Army for the Korean War, where he trained troops as a Battery Commander for Field Artillery for two years.
After the war he worked as a Civil Engineer, building bridges for MDOT and L.W. Lamb Company. Around this time he married the love of his life, Ruth Appel, of Muskegon. Together they had four children: Mike Welling, Sue (Dennis) Reenders, Nancy (Brian) Taylor, and Ross (Annalisa Westfield) Welling: two grandsons, Andrew and Matthew Reenders. He started Midwest Concrete Pipe Company. After several company mergers, he retired in 1984 as Vice President of Zurn Industries.
Not being content to do nothing, Don retuned back to his roots and followed his heart to become a farmer. Several vineyards and christmas tree farms later Don tried to retire again at 75, giving each of his children 40 acres. Soon, Don’s Good friend, Carl Dekein, sparked his interest in chestnut trees and Don went on to plant several groves in Oceana County after his second retirement.
Don believed strongly in giving back to the community, he served on the Board of Light and Power for 10 years. During this time Grand Haven was building the new power plant. Oddly, the colors of the new plant were green and white, same as MSU. Don was the last living member of the Board of Light and Power that made the decision to have Grand Haven build their own power plant.
He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Spring Lake and the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28. Don appreciated and loved all animals big and small. Many beloved dogs got to spend their lives with him, most notably Duke.
Don often referred to himself as a “product of the depression”, having grown up during those difficult years. In truth, he was a genuine member of “The Greatest Generation”. He always considered himself a very lucky survivor who cheated death many times, did just about everything he ever wanted to do, and always worked with the motto “if it ain’t fun, it won’t work”.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Lyda; sister, Marie Seacord; brothers, John and Clarence Welling; and his lifelong best friend, Edward "Skeeter" Johnson.
The family invites you to join them in a celebration of Don’s life at the Bil-Mar Restaurant on Saturday, November 21, 2015 from 2-5 PM with military honors at 2:00 PM. Please bring memories to share about Don’s amazing adventure. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that a donation is made to your local Salvation Army or Harbor Humane Society. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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