Albert W. Welters, age 96 of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the CentraCare Health Nursing Home in Melrose, Minn.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, May 31, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery.
Albert William Welters was born Jan. 4, 1920, in Saint Anthony, Minn., to Reinhart and Mary (Bueckers) Welters. Prior to his marriage, Albert worked at the steel mills in Duluth. He was united in marriage to Bernadette “Boo” Springer on Oct. 1, 1946, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. The couple farmed on the family farm north of Melrose until their retirement.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose and the St. Leo Court 786 Catholic Order of Foresters in New Munich.
Albert enjoyed fishing and hunting, playing cards, especially 500 and Smear, and enjoyed the activities at the nursing home such as BINGO and putting together jigsaw puzzles. He was a John Deere fanatic and was a handyman who could fix or put together anything. Albert also loved baking cookies and eating potato pancakes.
Survivors include his children, Joni Eiden of Bellingham, Washington, Kay Welters of Sauk Rapids, Marcus (Rita) Welters of Bellingham, Washington, and Janet (Ron) Zitzow of St. Cloud; 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; sisters, Hildegard Frieler of Melrose, Judy (Felix) Essler of Kenmare, North Dakota, and Rosie Gregory of Belgrade; and brother, Robert Welters of Melrose.
Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Bernadette “Boo” Welters on Jan. 1, 2011; parents; brothers, Herman and Larry Welters; and sister, Helen Wiener.
Serving as casket bearers were Joseph Schmidt, Tom D. Eiden, Tyler Hinnenkamp, Daniel Kapsner, Steven Welters, Brandon Welters, and Troy Knafla. Cross bearer was Brianna Hinnenkamp and scripture bearers were Amber Schmidt and Genevieve Kapsner.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.