Peter WELKER

1927 - 2017

WELKER, Peter Age 89 of Springfield passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital. He was born on October 21, 1927 in Tscherwenka, Yugoslavia to the late Ludwig and Kristine (Giesse) Welker. In addition to his parents, Peter is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marie Welker as well as his sister, Louise Emich. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his son and daughter-in-law, Helmut and Carol Welker of Canal Winchester; granddaughters, Gretcen (Bill) Gibson and Karli Moore as well as great-grandchildren, Noah, Aurelia, Autumn and Hunter. Peter moved with his family in December of 1951 to the United States. He retired from Navistar in 1994, after 28 years of dedicated service, where he was a machine repairman. He was a member of the Local Union 402 and St. John Lutheran Church. He was an avid automobile racing mechanic; Peter and his good friend, Jack Bowsher built race cars for AJ Foyt, Mario Andretti, Parnelli Jones and Bobby Unser. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 10-11a.m. at JACKSON LYTLE & LEWIS LIFE CELEBRATION CENTER. A celebration of his life will begin at 11a.m. Inurnment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Peter to the Springfield City Fire Rescue Division Station 7, 437 E. Home Rd. Springfield, Ohio 45503. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.jacksonlytle.com.