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David Wellnitz Obituary

David Joseph WELLNITZ, Sr. Of Seattle WA, passed away2/23/10. He was born 3/21/1921 to Paul and Catherine Wellnitz in Elgin IL. Dad attended DePaul University, The University of Portland and The University of Norte Dame. He served in the Navy as an officer during World War II. While attending the University of Portland, he met our beloved mother, Jean. They carried on a distant relationship while he was in the war. They were married in 1947, raised 11 children, had 40 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Dad worked 40 years at Van Waters & Rogers and retired as a regional Vice President. Dad was the cornerstone of our family. His integrity, honesty, strength and enduring faith set an indelible example for all of us. His family was the pride and joy of his life. He is preceded in death by his parents, our mom, Jean, his brothers, Paul and Greg and his grandson, Charley. Dave is survived by his sister, Sr. Paula (Marie), children: David (Marsha), Brian (Colleen), James (Patricia), Mary McBride (Frank), Mike (Suzanne), Becky Mullin (Ned), Jennifer Walker (Stan), Jonathan (Jody), Doran Patrick (Marilyn), Sara, Meg Hinshaw (Michael) and many nieces & nephews & grandchildren and great grandchildren. We want to especially thank Dr. Ken Anderson and Fr. Tim Clark for their exceptional care of our father. Recitation of the Rosary will be Tuesday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. at Hoffner Fisher & Harvey Chapel 508 N. 36th St., Seattle Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 3, at 11:00a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 8900 35th Ave., Seattle, 98115. Donations may be made to Catholic Community Services by calling: (206) 328-5707 or mailing to 100 23rd Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98144. Please sign the on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for David Wellnitz

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March 28, 2010

I am sorry for the loss of your father. He and my father, Connell C. Medley, served together on the LCS-32 during WW2. Dad has shared many stories of Dave with fond memories. My sympathy to all.
Priscilla Medley Kaufmann
North Canton, OH

Teresa & Dennis Ulrich

March 21, 2010

We were saddened to learn of cousin Dave's passing, in that we continued to correspond after Dad's passing in 2008. I remember the phone calls between Dad & cousin Dave comparing where their large broods were excelling and making progress. We know that he is safely home with his beloveds and that they are having a wonderful time, and waiting for the rest of us.
Love & prayers,
the Everett Price family

March 7, 2010

We will miss our friend and neighbor, Dave Wellnitz. We lived across the street from Jean and Dave and their family for 30+ years. We were always glad to see the family there for the holidays and many other times. Our sympathy goes out to this big and loving family for their loss. I wish we could be there for the memorial service, but we are in Arizona until June.

Judy and Roy Carpenter

Sheila Higgins

March 3, 2010

March 03, 2010
Reading the literature from the funeral, sent me down a very pleasant memory lane. The welcoming home created by Mr.and Mrs.Wellnitz was literally, always,"room for one more".
My Deepest Sympathy in your loss, Though what greater legacy then a smile on friends faces, near and far when remembering your father.
Sincerely, Sheila Higgins

Bruce & Marilyn Ries

March 3, 2010

Marilyn & I send our deepest sympathies to all of Wellnitzes, and especially to Jonathan and Jody, whom we have had the pleasure of knowing. May you all find peace in this difficult time.

Rebecca Allen

March 3, 2010

Sympathy offered for the family and friends of Dave Wellnitz. I am impressed and so glad to see that his children grasp how much Dave loves them. As his neighbor these past seven years, I want you to know that you were the celebrities featured at least twice in every conversation. We will miss him and we will keep you in our thoughts. Sincerely, Rebecca Allen (Thomas, Theodora and Audrey Fanning)

Don Hall

March 2, 2010

Wellnitz Family, I was very fortunite to have Dave as my God Father. Both Dave and Jean were very comforting and supportive of me. I especially enjoyed our talks at Thanksgiving time. He liked to talk about his children and how proud he was of all of you.May God bless you and your familys. Don Hall

March 2, 2010

Dear Jim and Pat,
Our sympathies to you and your family on the passing of your dear dad. We will praying along with you tomorrow at his Mass.
Love
Don and Susan

Gary Brose

March 2, 2010

I knew him as Mr. Wellnitz because I was in my early 20's when I first met him. Mary and I dated for a while and I always had a positive experience with her father. He was bright, interesting and a very caring man. I remember him fondly from the time we met in Washington DC when we both happened to be traveling there. I met him and Jean at the base of the Washington Monument and we went to a museum together and then they took me out to dinner. A very enjoyable evening. What always struck me most was how interested and caring he was. When I graduated from the UW, he asked about my thesis paper and was actually the only other person to read it. I felt very honored by that. I know he lived a full life and now he gets to be with Jean again. I'm very sorry I was unable to attend the funeral but I wanted to leave my best wishes for the entire Wellnitz family. I am so sorry for your loss.

March 1, 2010

The Wellnitz Family

We feel honored to have known Dave and to be, vicariously, a part of the Wellnitz family. Dave was a wonderful, kind and loving man who has left a magnificant legacy. Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Pat, Bill and Eric Walker

Judy Hockley Fitch

February 28, 2010

Dave, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I remember meeting your parents during your pre-wedding festivities in our college years. What a grand couple. I have so enjoyed all the stories you've told over the years. What terrific memories you have. What a legacy he has left. My thoughts are with you
and your family during this time.
Love to you and Marsha,
Judy Hockley Fitch

February 28, 2010

I'm very grateful that I had the opportunity to reconnect these past few years with Uncle Dave through the internet and his sometimes shaky Web TV. Although we were on opposite coasts, we laughed together over jokes (especially those about old people cuz I now am one) and shared thoughts about our Nation's past and future. I'll miss those moments greatly.
I send my love and sympathy to all my cousins in Seattle.
Pat Daly

Steve Lodwig

February 28, 2010

From the time I was a boy, I knew there was something very special about Dave. What a wonderful role model for the rest of us on how to be a husband, father and a good Catholic. I'm richer for having known him.

Georgia Cammann

February 28, 2010

As a close friend of Mary's for almost 35 years now, I've always marveled at her large, close-knit family. Her parents were such a handsome couple and I truly admired the roles they both played as such respected and admired heads of the Wellnitz clan. In the end, that's truly where we leave our mark of quality in this world. Sincere condolences Mary ....to you and all your family members from:
Pat,Jeff & Diane,Betsy & Chip,Tammy & Didier,Nona & William,Susan & Scott,Linda & Tom & Georgia & Tom...and...much Light & Joy to a life well-lived!
Linda,

Michael Esfeld

February 28, 2010

My condolences for the loss of your beloved Father. The photograph of him smiling in the Times really shows his love of life. Best to you and your family.

Steve Paulson

February 28, 2010

one of the nicest guys I've ever met. I know my parents thought the world of your parents. My sister Nancy and I wish all of you the best at these trying times. Sincerely Steve and Nancy Paulson

Brenda Keitges

February 27, 2010

Dear Wellnitz family,

My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you. My sister is so lucky to be a part of such a warm, caring, accepting family. He really did leave a blessing and gift on this earth with your great family. It will be a hard couple of months to mourn such a relationship. Thank god you can keep him in your hearts.
I will remember his smile and light in each one of you.

Perry McIntyre

February 26, 2010

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
David J. Wellnitz a great father, friend, neighbor and a great example of a fine Catholic gentleman. Rest In Peace.

Ginger Cochran

February 26, 2010

Please know that Monty and I have all of your family in our thoughts. We spent only a small amount of time with Grandpa Dave, as Kate called him, but he was a "hoot". We will remember him fondly, for a very, very long time. I know that he meant so much to all of you and very understandably. Great Guy!
Ginger and Monty Cochran (Ojai, Ca.)

joyce hockley-smith

February 26, 2010

He was a fine man, Davey. Sharp and fun and always a twinkle in his eye. Especially if he was pulling a fast one on you or Brian. Now he and Jean are together again. Wonderful. Besos to everyone in the family. jhs and wardo

Tom Provo

February 26, 2010

What a great man and friend of our family's and best friend of my parents. My thought and prayers are with all of you Wellnitzes through this great loss.

Tom Provo

February 26, 2010

Peace and prayers to all you "living legacies to the leader of the band"... I have many great memories of Dave, Sr. and our dads! Mark Provo

Patrica Wellnitz

February 26, 2010

To the wonderful Wellnitz Family. It has been a priviledge and honer to be part of this caring family. You all have done such a great Job taking care of Dave these past 9 years. He and jean are very proud of you!
God Bless all of us and may bring our smiles back to us.
Love you all so much
Pat Hupf

Gigi McDougall (Ramage)

February 26, 2010

Dear Wellnitz Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Both of your folks were and are very well loved by all that knew them.

Much love... Gigi Ramage McDougall

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

February 26, 2010

Dear Members of the Wellnitz Family,
We Sisters of the Holy Names send to each of you our sympathy and supportive prayers. May David's new life in God's Presence be a deep source of peace for you all, and may you know his nearness often.

February 26, 2010

To the Wellnitz Family:
May each beautiful memory be a place you return to for strength for comfort and for peace.Our Condolences. God Bless.
Jimmy and Frank J.Wagner

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