Donald L. Wellman

Donald Louis Wellman, son of Carl Fred and Wertie Tabina (Klassmeyer) Wellman, was born June 21, 1930, near Cook, Nebraska. He was the younger of two sons. Donald was baptized on July 31, 1930 at Osage Church near Cook by Rev. L. Hartel. He was confirmed on March 25, 1945 by Pastor W. Bechtold at St. John Evangelical Church in Syracuse, Nebraska. He attended school in Unadilla and graduated from Unadilla High School on May 13, 1948.

On February 27, 1952, he entered the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on November 26, 1953. On March 2, 1954, Donald married Lois Imogene Grotrian at St. Paul Lutheran Church near Talmage, Nebraska. They were married for 63 years. To this union three children were born.

Donald was a Grade A Dairy farmer in Burr, Nebraska for 25 years. He also worked at Burr Co-op, Wheelers, and School District 101 in Burr, as well as Roberts and Rolfsmeier’s Dairy in Seward, Nebraska.

In 1995, Donald retired from Wheelers and farming, and he and Lois moved to Auburn to be closer to their children. Before leaving the farm, however, the couple enjoyed making many quilts for their families. Each grandkid was gifted with one at Christmas.

Donald had been a very active member of Hope Lutheran Church at Burr, serving in many capacities within the church. Upon the move to Auburn, Donald and Lois transferred membership to St. Paul Lutheran Church in town. He was a member of the Auburn American Legion Post #23.

Donald enjoyed woodworking, and made many different birdhouses. He also collected silver coins for 20 years. In their earlier years, Don and Lois enjoying dancing. Recently, they enjoyed going to casinos and listening to Polka music. In his later years, Donald cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After a couple of years of ill health, Donald passed away at the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, 20 days after his 87th birthday. His parents preceded him in death.

Those who survive Donald include his wife Lois of Auburn; children and their spouses Eldon and Diane Wellman of Howe; Darrell and Tami Wellman of Auburn; Sheryl and Jim Holscher of Scottsbluff; grandchildren and spouses Mitch (Deb) Wellman of Fergus Falls, MN; Kari (James) Roat of Cincinnati, OH; Jacquelyn (Dayton) Kennedy of Shubert; Michael (Samantha) Wellman of Lincoln; Emily (Dave) Havens of Southeast Asia; Isaac Holscher of Scottsbluff; Madeline Holscher of Flagstaff, AZ; Betsy Holscher of Scottsbluff; Zoe Holscher of Scottsbluff; great-grandchildren Alexis and Cassie Wellman; Maxwell Roat; Daphne Kennedy (and a brother on the way); Benjamin Havens; brother and sister-in-law Duane and Edith Wellman of Syracuse; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A funeral service will be Monday, July 17, 2:00 p.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn. Burial will follow in Sheridan West Cemetery, with graveside military honors by American Legion Post #23 and Nebraska National Guard Honors Detail. Visitation will be at the funeral home Sunday noon to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Auburn Rescue Squad, American Legion Post #23, or Emily & Dave Havens ~ Wycliffe Bible Translators.