Leon John Welbig

Leon John Welbig, 76, of Dell Rapids passed away Thursday, August 14, 2008 after a long battle with cancer at Dougherty Hospice Cottage surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM. Monday, August 18, 2008 at St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church, rural Colton. Visitation will be from 1-3:00 PM Sunday at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids and resume at 6:00 PM at the church with the family present. A Wake Service will begin at 7:00 PM followed by a Rosary.

Leon was born July 21, 1932 the son of John and Margaret (Hemmer) Welbig near Dell Rapids. He grew up farming near Dell Rapids and graduated from St. Mary High School. He then served two years in the United States Army, but did not get activated during the Korean Conflict. He had met the love of his life Dorothy A. Varns and they were married October 15, 1955 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. They farmed near Colton for 40 years, where they raised their family. Dorothy died January 23, 2003.

Leon was an active member of the Dell Rapids American Legion and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He served on the Burke Township Board and the Huntimer Parish Council and many years on the Colton Farmers Elevator Board. Farming was his life and he was engaged in it up until his death.

He was proud of his family and his children are: Patricia and Kevin Ordalen, Sioux Falls; Pam Hartman, Sioux Falls; Robert Welbig, and his fiancée, Bonnie Krogman, Sioux Falls; Thomas and Sherrie Welbig, Dell Rapids; Steve and Susan Welbig, Dell Rapids; Lori and Bryant Filler, Crooks; Brian and Jackie Welbig, Rapids City; Randy and Sandra Welbig, Colton; Timothy and Brenda Welbig, Sioux Falls; seventeen grandchildren; a brother, Clarence and Colleen Welbig, Dell Rapids; two sisters, Louise and Mike Kriens, Dell Rapids and Sister Lynn Marie Welbig, Sioux Falls; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy and parents John and Margaret.