Edwin Welle

edwin welle

Edwin F. Welle, 87, of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away April 17, 2011, at the home of his son on Big Floyd Lake surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley-Detroit Lakes Office.

Edwin, "Ed", was born June 18, 1923 to Joseph H and Elizabeth M  (Eveslage) Welle.  Ed grew up on the family farm and graduated from Waubun High School in 1941.  Ed served in the Army in WWII and was honorably discharged at the rank of First Sergeant. 

Ed married the love of his life on October 21, 1947 and shortly after moved to Astoria, Oregon to work at a fish cannery.  Upon moving back to Detroit Lakes, Ed was employed by Beckland Plumbing, before moving to Dilworth to work for the N.P. Railroad.  Ed and Lorraine made many lifelong friends in their time there.  While working for the railroad, Ed and his brother formed Welle Brothers Construction.  In 1959, Ed and Lorraine formed Ed Welle Construction in Moorhead, MN.  Besides staying busy with 6 kids and running the company, Ed was a founding member of the FM Home Builders Association in 1956 (where he later served as President). 

Ed and his family were parishioners at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead, which led to his dedication to the Knights of Columbus of which he was a 4th Degree Member.  Ed was also a member of  the Elks Club and was a life member of the VFW.

In 1957, Ed and Lorraine built their first lake home on Big Floyd Lake.  The lake has been important to their children and several have continued the tradition by having their own lake homes on the same lake.  Ed and Lorraine began wintering in Fort Myers, Florida in 1976, which they thoroughly enjoyed and led to Ed's retirement from the construction company in 1983.

As a boy, when Ed's mother was sick, he was in charge of all his family's baking and cooking needs.  As a result, Ed entered 4H baking contests, and as the only male entrant, was proud of his winning pies.  Ed was never shy to share his passion for the game of golf and was active in the game until he was no longer able to.  With his strong roots as a farm boy, Ed continued to grow and harvest a bountiful garden and was so proud to provide fresh vegetables all summer long to his family.  As Ed had to cut back on his golfing, his garden grew in size.

Ed was a man with a huge heart and an even bigger smile.  Growing up a "farm boy", Ed was always an early riser which allowed him to touch many lives.  Whether it may have been a very early morning phone call or a chat with a stranger to show off his family from wallet pictures, Ed always took the time to enjoy his conversations and to get to know those around him.  Ed's daily encounters left those in his path with a smile on their face.  He was a man who was so proud of his family and would share in their joys and accomplishments as if his own achievements.  Ed's family was always his number one priority and was never too busy to talk to each individual. 

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth; brothers Arthur, Raymond, Harvey, Eugene, and sister Marie. 

Ed is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine; children Linda (James) Johnson, Brooklyn Park, MN; Gloria (James) Mclain, Ankeny, IA; Wayne (Jean) Welle Fargo, ND, Terry (Chrisse) Welle, Fargo, ND; Debbie (Robert) Welle-Powell Centennial, CO; and Jeanine (Gary) Donaldson Circle Pines, MN.  Ed is also survived by his twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

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  1. McKinney TXAunt Lorraine, and the entire family.

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ed was such a great man with the most incredible personality. I still love telling everyone of how I grew up with so much family around. There are many great memories of spending time at the lake and listening to Grandpa and Uncle Ed tell their stories. It makes me smile just a bit to think of just what those two may be up to in heaven right now. No doubt there is lots of laughter.

    Sincerely,
    Jeff, Gina, Aurora and Gage Zimmel

  2. Ft Myers FLWe are so sorry to hear of Ed’s Passing. He was one of the most happiest person we became very friendly during his stays in Ft Myers. Was one of our finest golfers at San Carlos where he collected numerous friends throughout the years. We will miss him dearly.

    While in Florida he became a sudo DAD and Lorainne became a sudo MOM.

    Bob & Dolores

  3. rothsay mnDear Lorraine and Family,

    We were so sorry to hear about Ed,we didn’t know about the funeral until wed. evening or we would have been there. Ed was the best contractor I ever worked for.

    With Sympathy,

    LeRoy and Maggie
    Lindsay

  4. Moorhead Mn.To Loraine, Terry and Chrisse, Wayne and Jean, Jeanine, Linda and other family:

    It was such a privelige (? sp.) to be with you and caring for Ed for the one evening I was there. Accept my sympathy on his death and the loss to all of you. He obviously touched a lot of lives besides those of his family.

    I heard that you did not have the 24 hr nurses with you very many days—–a testament to your ability to provide good care and that most important element, love.

    No doubt he will be greatly missed.

    Thank you for your wonderful hospitality, which I’m sure was extended to all the nurses —–“cuz that’s the kind of family you are !

    Terry and Jean, someday maybe I’ll take you up on that beer you offered me !

    Sincerely. Judy Vanyo.

  5. Fargo ND
    Lorraine and family. I am sorry we were unable to be at Ed’s services. My mother, Marie Kuhlmann, and I were remembering the early days at Big Floyd lake as neighbors. Especially the impromptu baseball games. One day Jeanine was missing from the game, she was very small, and my dad Ray, found her in the lake and resusitated her. I am living in the house Ed built for mom and dad in 1967 so his memory lives on. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Nancy Kuhlmann Saeger

  6. Aurora, COIt is with a heavy heart that I wish to offer my condolences to the Welle Family. You are in My Thoughts and Prayers.
    In Loving Memory and With Heartfelt Sympathy.

    Harley Deschene

  7. Tonto Basin ArizonaWe’re so sorry we are not able to be there,but Ed will alway be in our hearts and memorys.We will miss him dearly.

  8. Moorhead MnIn honor of Ed, friend of my husband, and the man who built our home. Jim had many times stated that Ed was the best of the builders. Now that home is owned by a nice young couple who appreciate it as we did.
    Ed’s legacy lives on!!!

  9. Linda,

    I am saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. When we worked together at Honeywell, you always had wonderful things to say about him. I’m certain those memories you have will keep him in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

  10. Lisbon ND
    Sorry to read of your loss of this wonderful
    man. I will always remember his great smile and warm welcome. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by all.

  11. Fargo ND
    To the entire Welle Family. I am so sorry to hear about Ed’s passing.Though I know grat memoris of him will never pass. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Jorgee

  12. Fargo North Dakota
    Dear Welle Family,

    Know that our prayers are with your family as you celebrate Ed’s new life with Christ.

    Blessings to you all.

    Veronica Fischer
    and Randy Trader
    Welle 1842 managers


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