Kenneth M. Welbes' Obituary
Mr. Kenneth M. Welbes, age 68, died Friday, January 2, 2004, in Muskegon. He was born in Ludington, MI on April 19, 1935, to Ambrose Gordon and Helen Jean (Kloss) Welbes and had resided in the Muskegon area since 1942. Mr. Welbes was a teacher at St. Patrick’s Catholic School, St. Francis Catholic School, Muskegon Heights Public Schools, and for over 24 years at Sacred Heart Catholic School. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, past member of the First Catholic Slovak Union, and was involved with the Eucharistic Ministers Team of Sacred Heart. In addition, he volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels. Mr. Welbes enjoyed gardening and woodworking. On August 16, 1958, he married Cecilia Kelley, and she survives him along with 3 children, Kevin (Monica Godin) Welbes Godin of Toronto, Canada, Claudia (Michelle Snyder) Welbes of Ferndale, MI, Kathleen (James) Carroll of Norton Shores; 5 grandchildren, Joshua Holtkamp Welbes, Naomi Welbes Holtkamp, & Andrew Holtkamp Welbes and Morgan and Erin Carroll; his mother Helen Jean Welbes; siblings, Gerald (Sandra) Welbes of Norton Shores, Martin (Vickie) Welbes, Carlene (Roger) Horness and David (Ann) Welbes all of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Welbes was preceded in death by his father, Ambrose G. Welbes. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be 2 PM Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Mark Bauer & Rev. Fr. Paul C. Johnson concelebrating. VISITATION with the family will be 6-8 PM Monday evening at
The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565 with the Rosary being prayed at 7 PM. Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Hackley Visiting Nurse Hospice Program or St. Mary’s Catholic Church Restoration Fund will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their Online Guestbook @ www.sytsemafh.com.
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