Gary Wellman

Gary Wellman, 79, of Elbow Lake, died Monday, September 25, 2017, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

Gerald (Gary) Allen Wellman, son of Lester and Myrtle Wellman was born on December 10, 1937 in Alberta, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alberta, Minnesota. Gary grew up on the family farm west of Alberta, and graduated from Alberta High School in 1955. He joined the Army in 1956, during which, he served as an army medic in Alaska, and at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. He was honorably discharged in 1958, and then served in the Army reserves until 1962. Gary was united in marriage to Carol Tirevold in 1961. Three children were born to this union: Teresa, Glenn, and Brenda. They lived in Minot, North Dakota, where Gary worked as an X-ray technician and taught X-ray to a number of students. He was a member of many groups, including: American Legion, American Society of X-ray Technicians, and Jaycees. Gary also volunteered as a fire fighter, and was a first responder for the ambulance service.

In the late 1970’s, Gary moved to Elbow Lake, Minnesota, where he worked at the Grant County Hospital as an X-ray technician, which he retired from in 2010. In addition to owning and operating a tree service for several years, and working for the Ehlers brothers in their farming operation, he also had a cleaning business—Select-a-Service. In August of 1985, he moved to Herman, Minnesota, and was united in marriage to, as he called her, his beautiful wife, Linda Richards—becoming Dad to her two children, Tracy and Chad. Following his retirement, he enjoyed riding with his good friend, Jason Kirchenwitz, and praying together for the construction jobs that Jason was going to bid.

Gary dearly loved Destiny Church, and served as a Deacon, and on the Board of Directors for many years. He had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and wanted all of his family, friends, and everyone he met to know Him, too. He went on several mission trips to Mardi Gras, Russia, and Ukraine. He loved wearing his What if...? shirts and jacket. People would ask him, What if?, and it gave Gary the opportunity to share the Gospel with them. Gary loved to fish, hunt, and ride motorcycle, but most of all, he enjoyed being with his family.

In December of 2016, Gary went to live at the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He loved visiting with all of his fellow vets and the staff—especially sharing the Gospel with them. He made many new friends in the brief time he was there. Gary often said, I get the greatest care here. His daughter, Teresa, and granddaughter, Larisa, both worked at the Veterans Home, and he always looked forward to their hugs.

Gary is survived by his wife Linda of Elbow Lake; children, Teresa (Clayton Nord) Harper of Fergus Falls, Brenda (Rick) Backlund of Moorhead, Glenn Wellman of Moorhead, Tracy (Matthew) Sieckert of Elbow Lake, and Chad (Shannon) Danzeisen of Dalton; one brother, Kenneth Wellman of Merrimac, WI; sixteen grandchildren, Larisa (TJ) Harig, Christa (Eden Beck) Harper, Justin (Jamey) Lardy, Hunter (Carlee Davidson) Briscoe, Riley Backlund, Samuel, Israel, Ezekiel, Judah, Matlyn, Malachi and Lily Sieckert, Anna, Isaac, Cherish and Josiah Danzeisen; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Jaxon Harig, Willow and Cypress Briscoe and Thomas Lardy.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Lester and Myrtle Wellman; one sister, Liane Raasch; an infant brother; and two sisters-in-law, Sylvia Wellman and Lani Wellman.

Visitation:  5 – 7 PM Thursday, with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service at Destiny Church, rural Ashby, resuming one hour prior to services at the church.

Funeral Service:  11 AM Friday, September 29, 2017, at Destiny Church, rural Ashby

Clergy:  Pastor Steve Quernemoen

Military Honors:  Minnesota National Guard

Interment:  Erdahl Cemetery

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.