David A. Wellman, 73, of Cozad, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at his home and is now at peace after a hard fought battle with illness.
He was born on January 20, 1950 in Santa Cruz, California, to Martin J. and Lois E. (Wiest) Wellman. At an early age his family moved to Ogallala, Nebraska. David attended public schools in Ogallala and graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 1968.
Following High School, David enlisted in the United States Navy on September 25, 1969 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, where he spent nearly 18 months. He was honorably discharged on April 29, 1975.
David was united in marriage to the love of his life, Anne Galaviz on January 21, 1975 in Kearney, Nebraska. Two sons were blessed to this union: Zachary and Jesse. The family made their home in Ogallala for a few years where David put up Grain Bins. They moved to Lexington in the late 1970's where David worked for Deeter's Machine and Eilers Machine & Welding Inc. as an accomplished welder. In 1990, his family moved to Cozad, David continued working for Eilers before spending 20 years at Tenneco Monroe Automotive in Cozad.
David was an avid outdoorsman. He loved going camping with his family and spending most of his days fishing, which was his passion. He enjoyed spending time outside working on his gardening and always kept an immaculate yard. If he wasn't working in his yard, he would be working on his truck. When his children were younger, David never missed a moment to attend all their school activities. Dave had a witty personality and was a great conversationalist. He was known to leave everyone he talked to with a smile and maybe a couple of one-liners!
Survivors include his wife, Anne of Cozad; his boys, Zachary (Amber) Wellman of Edmond, Oklahoma and Jesse (Heather) Wellman of Cozad; three grandchildren, Cheyenne, Max and Temperance; four sisters, Kathy (Saad) Eways of Austin, Texas, Marsha (Bill) Border of Canton, Ohio, Barbara Wellman of Kearney, and Paula Wellman of Fredericksburg, Ohio; brother and sister in-laws, Domingo (Marcy) Galaviz of Gibbon, Antonia (Ray) Garcia of Lexington, Louisa (Nestor) Garcia of Ogallala, Josephine (Alan) White of Lexington, Carolyn (Mike) Smidt of Lexington, Rebecca Fitch of Lexington, Marilyn (Larry) Logan of Omaha, Ron (Cherie) Galaviz of Newbury Park, California, Rita Linley of Lexington, Natalie (Mike) Burns of Portland, Oregon and Deb Mettenbrink of Kearney; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Besides his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother and sister in-laws, Manuel Galaviz, Pauline (Robert) Wood, and Ken Fitch.
Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.
There will be no visitation, as the family is honoring David's wish for cremation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Reynolds-Love Funeral Home - Lexington.
Vickie Malone
June 9, 2023
Annie, so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Carol Serres
June 8, 2023
To My Family and Friends
“My heart goes out to you and your family during this time.”
Just Remember Me when I Leave
Don’t be sad for me today
for I had to leave for now.
My Father God has called Me Home.
I am no longer a citizen of this planet,
I just have a different address!
I have a new residence -
I am now a Citizen of Heaven.
We all have a Journey here on Earth
that will come to an end.
As there is a Beginning of Life,
There is also an End of Life.
No more sadness, no more pain!
Please don’t cry tears of sadness,
But tears of Joy!
Remember the Memories we have shared
I am safe and here with my Father God
and other Loved ones.
A Celebration and a Reunion!
Be Happy for Me and Celebrate My Life!
I have graduated to Heaven!
See you again, one day! ❤
A Child of God
A Song of Joy
cas06052023
Bob Schaefer
June 7, 2023
Ann so sorry for your loss. He will greatly be missed. I'm going to miss all those fish he used to bring me. Rest in peace David.
Bob Schaefer
June 7, 2023
Ann so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. He was a good guy. Going to miss all the fish he used to bring me.
Penny Hepperly
June 7, 2023
Anne, I'm sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Sending you, Zach and Jesse much love and hugs.
Jessica Rodriguez
June 6, 2023
Our Condolences
Jessica and Ernie
Ron Watson
June 6, 2023
Remembering all times we had visiting,fishing the inlet & ice fishing trips Dave,Ann & I went on together always fun and those memories are forever. We just had that conversation a few weeks ago . Thanks Dave never forget good times
Jeff Kandler
June 6, 2023
I’m so very sorry for your loss, words can’t explain how I feel, and how you must feel. Dave is the closed thing I’ve had to a life long friend and always considered him as my brother. I’m so great full I got to spend a little time with him last summer.
Anne, Zach and Jessie you have my sympathies! Rest in peace brother Dave,
Love you all
Jennifer Beisner
June 5, 2023
It was wonderful to have Dave & Anne as neighbors for 10 years! Always a wave & conversation. My thoughts and prayers to Anne and family during this difficult time.
Phil & Paula Robles
June 5, 2023
We are so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was always a great guy to be around and always had a good story to tell when we would fish next to each other at the inlet, I will miss his good natured ribbing. Our condolences to the family. Heaven got a good one.
John and Danita Paul
June 5, 2023
So sorry for your loss, always a good time when Dave was around!
Shaun Lux
June 5, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I enjoyed being neighbors while I was growing up until you guys moved to Cozad. He was always an amazing person. My sincerest condolences to you all
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Reynolds-Love Funeral Home - Lexington106 West 8th Street, Lexington, NE 68850
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