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Peter Martin WELK

11/15/1920 - 11/11/2013

Peter Martin WELK obituary, 11/15/1920-11/11/2013, Spokane, WA

BORN

11/15/1920

DIED

11/11/2013

FUNERAL HOME

Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory - Division

2203 North Division Street

Spokane, Washington

Peter WELK Obituary

In Memory of WELK, Peter Martin November 15, 1920- November 11, 2013 Peter Martin Welk, at the age of 92, passed away at 2:50pm November 11, 2013-Veterans Day (himself being a WWII Army veteran) and the 88th birthday of his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol Holton Welk. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and their five children; Peter, Stephen, Bernie, Jerry and Barbara as well as by five grandchildren; Marcia, David, Lisa, Krystal and John. Peter was born on November 15, 1920 in McHenry County, North Dakota to Russian-German immigrants from a small village in Ukraine, now called Lamonskoe. At the age of two, Peter's family moved to Wilkie, Saskatchewan where they were wheat farmers for 16 years. At age 18, Peter moved to Spokane in search of a warmer climate and a new life with his brothers Joe, August, and Fred in an old Model T which could only go up a hill in reverse. Peter was trained as an electrical specialist on B-17s during WWII. After returning from the war he was an active participant in the Spokane business community. A real entrepreneur he founded, along with his brothers and sons, Welk Precast, Welk Brothers Metal Products, Utec Metals, ALCOBRA Metals (all in Spokane), and Ventura Hose Inc. in Oxnard, CA. In 1978-1980, Peter was nominated to receive "The Industrialist of the Year" award sponsored by the Spokane Area Development Commission and the Washington State Department of Commerce and Economic Development. This award was given to honor leaders of manufacturing companies both for their contributions to industry and to the community. In his youth, Peter attended night classes at Gonzaga University and received a degree in Religious Studies. At this time he was an active member in the Catholic young adult's fellowship called "The Excelsior Club" where he met many life-long friends. He first set his eyes on his beautiful bride to be, Carol, in St Aloysius church in October 1954. He proposed to her there shortly afterward by slipping a ring on her finger and saying "pray for guidance". They were married in St Louis, MO, Carol's home town, on May 28th, 1955. Peter was an active member of the Spokane Catholic Diocese attending St Aloysius, St. Augustine's, St. Thomas Moore, St. Anne's and finally, Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, over the course of his 75 years in Spokane. Peter and Carol's home had an open door, giving hospitality to all who came to visit or to stay. Many men and women serving in the Catholic community were frequently refreshed by hospitality in Peter and Carol's home as well as many other beloved friends and relatives. Hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals, families, and church groups of various faiths, enjoyed fellowship, retreats, activities and fresh vegetables during the many community outings at the Welk's Spring Creek Acres, a 160 acre farm near Ford, Washington. They formed long lasting relationships with live-in students from Mexico. They dearly love these students and their families to this day. Peter and Carol also endowed the Christus Program in its beginnings which continues to prepare men and women for part-or full-time ministry in any Christian confession. The Christus program developed into Gonzaga Universities' The Ministry Institute - Center for Spiritual Renewal. Peter loved golf, music and a game of cards with family and friends. Piano, accordion, and the organ were among the instruments he enjoyed playing by ear in his own unique style. He will be greatly missed as a loving husband, father, grandfather, beloved brother in Christ and friend to many. There will be a Rosary and Vigil Service at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, 1115 W Riverside Avenue, Spokane, at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 15, 2013 (Peter's 93rd birthday). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 16th. It will be followed by a reception in the church hall. You are invited to the interment service presided by Fr. Armond Nigro at 10AM, Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N Wall, in Spokane on Monday, November 18th. Directions to the site will be provided when you arrive at the gate. Donations can be made to the Peter Welk Memorial Fund c/o STCU, PO Box 1954, Spokane, WA 99210. To view Peter's online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements entrusted to:

Published by Spokesman-Review from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Pete, to me has not been forgotten, sometimes I will be doing something as simple as tying a knot in a rope, and I would remember, "Pete showed me how he would do it". Yes, Pete will always be a part of my memories. Miss you Pete.
Joe & Sharon Dolan

joseph dolan

Coworker

November 8, 2020

Pete Welk was a very intelligent,creative,and determined man. We were blessed to know him for over 40 years. As a employee Pete always made me feel I was important, appreciated and my opinion counted. One time I was building grape juice tanks in Grandview, Wa. I was running the night shift it was around 10p.m. all of a sudden I see this shadow crawling around the tank and low and behold it was Pete Welk! He grabed ahold of my automatic cart and pulled himself up. He looked at me and said How can you work on this staging in the dark? I told him you get use of it. besides were only 15 feet up! Its a memory I will never forget.I enjoyed working for Pete and the rest of the Welks so much. Thank you for all the good memories I will always cherish. Pete rest in peace

LeRoy and Liz Hautala

November 19, 2013

The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Peter M. Welk for your loss, to honor his service (AAC-WWII) to our country and our patriotic hero.

November 17, 2013

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Welk last year as his insurance agent. He was such a wonderful person , I wish I could have known him longer. My best wishes to Mrs. Welk and the family.

Gina Lanza

November 16, 2013

To all The Welks, I wish to offer my condolences.

Thomas Gray

November 15, 2013

I worked for Pete from about 1962, on Fancher rd, until the plant in Airway Hgts. had to close because of the bad economy at that time. They were not hiring at that time in 62 but I was in Welk's office almost every day looking for work, until he finnally said: If that kid wants a job that bad, HIRE HIM! I allways tried not to dissapoint him. He was the fairest employer I ever worked for, and I am so glad that I new Pete, not just as a guy I worked for, but as person & a freind

Joe dolan

November 15, 2013

L'Arche Spokane is very grateful for the life and service of Peter and Carol Welk. God bless you Peter and welcome Home!

November 15, 2013

Shauna Howser

November 15, 2013

The Welk family welcomed me into their arms and family for many years through my friendship with their daughter Barbara. They showed me unconditional love and support, providing me many fond memories of the "Farm" holiday seasons, to day to day memories. I have loved this family as if they were mine. I carry them in heart always. I am deeply sorry for the loss of Mr. Welk. I love all of you. Shauna M.L. Howser

November 15, 2013

I have good memories while working at Welk Brothers with Pete he was a very smart man & I enjoyed being part of the Welk Brothers team.

Howard E. & Nancy C. Hautala

November 14, 2013

Peter will be missed for many reasons, but I will always remember his quick wit. I moved to Spokane in 1985 after being encouraged by Carol, and with Peter's agreement-to try and find my niche here. I arrived in January 1985 and lived with them for 18 months. Peter loved to joke with me-and that's how I came to know him. That and talking about work-something he understood very well. If you know Peter, you know he is not a "hugger". But several years ago when he found out my dad had died, he still didn't hug-but kissed me on the cheek. I was stunned but profoundly touched. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the family.

Mary Mitchell

November 14, 2013

He shared his kindness always.

Pamela Gray

November 14, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Hennessey Funeral Home & Crematory - Division

2203 North Division Street, Spokane, WA 99207

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