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Weldon Garrelts Obituary
PHILO - Weldon Earl Garrelts, 90, of Philo passed away at 6:14 p.m. Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, at Zion Lutheran Church, Philo, with Pastor Donna Hacker Smith officiating. Burial will be in Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.
Mr. Garrelts was born Jan. 3, 1935, in Roberts, a son to Henry and Lilly Rupp Garrelts. He married Alice Finkbone on May 31, 1959. She preceded him in death on Sept. 14, 2010.
Surviving are a son, Danny (Connie) Garrelts of St. Charles, Mo.; daughter-in-law, Wafaa Garrelts of Oklahoma City, Okla.; six grandchildren, Michael and Rachel Garrelts, Sarah (Luke) Kinny, John (Anna) Garrelts and Adam and Sophia Garrelts.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Garrelts; and several brothers and sisters.
Weldon was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Philo, served in the U.S. Army and a member of the Philo Lions Club.
He graduated from the University of Illinois in aviation, where he became head of aircraft maintenance and later a professor of aviation at the UI. He was also an aircraft accident investigator.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Philo.
Memories and Condolences
for Weldon Garrelts
3 Entries
Jane McKee-Grinberg
June 21, 2025
Danny,
I´m so sorry to hear about your dad. May he rest well and you find comfort and peace in his guidance and memories.
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Bill Dalton
June 21, 2025
Danny and all the Garrelts Family. Weldon was not only your Mentor he was also mine. I spent many many hours at the Garrelts home as I was a neighbor just a few houses down the street from their first home in Philo. Weldon took me on my first flite from the Roberts Farm Air strip in the early 70's. In 98 I received my Pilots license all due to the seed planted all those years before by Weldon.
We all need examples of how to live a Godly and Fulfilling life. Weldon was just one of the people I was fortunate enough to have in my life with this influence.
Piece be with you.
Rachael Garrelts
June 21, 2025
I have so many great memories Illini games, getting ice cream, flying, going to the movie theater, holidays, birthdays, and spending time with grandpa. I am going to miss you so much.
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