James Charles Welchlen

1925 - 2013

James Welchlen

James Charles Welchlen, 87, of Marine, Ill., born Sept. 28, 1925, in Highland, Ill., died Friday, May 3, 2013, at his residence in Marine, Ill.

Mr. Welchlen was a member of Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church. He was also a member of V.F.W. Post 5694-Highland, Ill., where he was a former commander in 1971 and 1972, Knights of Columbus-Highland Council No. 1580-Highland, Ill., Laborer's Local No. 397-Granite City, Ill.

James was born on a farm near Highland, Ill., and he attended Saint Paul Schools in Highland, Ill. He served as a Seaman First Class with the U.S. Navy during World War II with duty on a destroyer in the South Pacific. He had started working as a milk hauler at the age of 14, he also had worked at the Egg Plant in Highland, Ill. After his military service he worked at Highland Supply Corporation in Highland, and did construction work as a Laborer out of Local No. 397. He worked at Illinois Power (now Ameren) for more than 25 years at Granite City, Ill., as a backhoe operator. He retired in 1987. Mr. Welchlen has always been active with the local V.F.W. Post. He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma T., nee Frank, Welchlen, whom he married on June 28, 1947, in Mariene, Ill., and who died on Dec. 24, 2012; parents, John and Martha E., nee Landolt, Welchlen; sisters and brothers, Jennie J. Goestenkors, Lucille Schwarz, Burnell Welchlen, Loraine E. Schwarz and Lester Welchlen.

Surviving are his children, David J. (Debbie) Welchlen of Vandalia, Ill., Michael J. (Sharon) Welchlen of Marine, Ill., Catherine A. (Charlie) Stewart of Marine, Ill., and Mary M. (Keith) Alldredge of Marine, Ill.; grandchildren, Gregory C. (Jennifer L.) Stewart of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., James R. (Jennifer D.) Stewart of Highland, Ill., Jason T. Welchlen of Lynchburg, Tenn., Tara M. (Trevor) Wright of Beecher City, Ill., Ty M. (Yvette) Welchlen of Marine, Ill., Amber R. (Jeff) Kessler of St. Charles, Mo., Jenna L. (Justin) Lock of El Paso, Texas, Jennifer L. (Richard) Box of Highland, Ill., Kristen E. (Brian) Elder of Marine, Ill., and Leah M. Alldredge of Marine, Ill.; great-grandchildren, Ashley Stewart, Matthew Stewart, Thomas Stewart, Riley Stewart, Taylor Stewart, Emmalyn Wright, Ethyn Wright, Colton Welchlen, Paige Kessler, Isabella Kessler, Breckin Box, Brinson Box and Braxton Box.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.spengel-boulanger.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Marine, Ill.

Funeral: Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church in Marine, Ill., with the Rev. Father Pat G. Jakel officiating. Interment will be at Saint Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery in Marine, Ill.

SPENGEL-BOULANGER FUNERAL HOME, Highland, Ill.