Harold Welhouse

Welhouse, Harold J.

Harold J. Welhouse, Kaukauna, age 90, passed into God's loving embrace on November 11, 2012. A lifelong resident of Kaukauna, he was born April 27, 1922, to the late Joseph and Johanna (VanLinn) Welhouse. Harry began his work career at his father's business, Jos. Welhouse & Sons Construction, after his 8th grade graduation, and continued learning his craft until he enlisted in the Navy in October, 1942, serving on the USS Stratford in the Pacific Arena as a Gunner's Mate 2nd Class until his discharge in January, 1946. During his service career, he was awarded a commendation in marksmanship from his Gunnery Officer for having shot and sunk a Japanese mine that was endangering their ship. When returning from service, Harry continued working with his father's company until he joined Schwalenberg Builders, retiring in 1984. During his career, he was a talented 'finishing' carpenter and was much sought after for his expertise.

On September 4, 1948, Harry married the love of his life, RoseAnn "Blondie" (Van Bakel), enjoying 46 years of marriage. Together they raised nine children. Though never having moved onto high school, he put great store in education and was proud that each of his children graduated from high school, many following with college and some to master's programs. Harry enjoyed golf in his younger years and began as a caddy at Oakwood Hills, in Kaukauna, while still a teenager. Taking up the game, he achieved the Class A championship Trophy in 1952. Hunting was another passion and he knew all the places for pheasant, grouse, occasionally duck, but especially deer. His accuracy in marksmanship led to many meals of wild game on our table. Dad loved deer hunting so much that the year he broke his foot, he had the cast cut off in time to tromp in the woods. He would wish you all well as the season starts; he will be joining you in spirit.

Some men leave legacies of money and philanthropy while others have their names in history books, our father leaves behind a legacy of unending love. He loved each and every one of his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fully. There will be many memories of his bacon and egg breakfasts, dancing to his favorite songs with the granddaughters, watching football with his sons and talking of their hunting stories. To him, all his children were his favorites. As a new generation entered the scene, his great-grandchildren also enjoyed sitting on Grandpa Harry's lap.

He is survived by his children: Harold Lee (Sharon), Char (Mark) Beschta, Christine (Joseph) McMahon, Joseph, Jean (Jon) Orr, Paul (Lois), Kathryn (Robert) Berken, Laurie (Al) Bowers, and Marilea. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Nikki (Eric) Pangburn, Harold and Lee Welhouse, Michael (Samantha) Beschta, Ellen (Marko) Gerovac, Amy Beschta, Vanessa and Benjamin Orr, Zachary (Niki) Welhouse, Robert, Heather, Katelyn and Daniel Berken, Ryan (Abby) Bowers, Rachel (Greg) Lau, Ashley (fiancé, Brad Moureau); great-grandchildren: Brittieny, Charlie and Calea Pangburn, Calibor Welhouse, Drew Bowers, Noah and Cooper Lau; sisters and brothers-in-law: Margaret Welhouse, Ginger (Welhouse) Stuyvenberg, Delores, Joseph (Angela), Adrian (Theresa) Van Bakel, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, RoseAnn, great-grandson, Elijah Pangburn; brothers: Jerome, James (Rosemary), and Eugene; sisters: Agnes (Jim) Sanders and Alice (Don Garrigan), brothers and sisters-in-law: Ardina (Ray) Pritzl, Joanne (Ed Van Thiel), Leo (Beryl) Van Bakel, best friend/hunting buddy, Irvin Hopfensperger; deer camp hunting buddies: Bud Garvey, Jimmie Strick, and Red Regan.

We were fortunate that Dad was able to live on his own in the house he built until recently.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH at ST. MARY'S CHURCH, 119 W. 7th St., Kaukauna with Fr. Jerry Pastors and Fr. Jim VandenHogen concelebrating. Friends will be received directly at church, on Wednesday, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Kaukauna with full Military Rites held by VFW Post #3319. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in his name. www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com