Elmer Wellenstein, age 93 years, of Belgium, passed away in the evening hours of Thursday, October 29, 2009 at Cedar Grove Gardens in Cedar Grove.

Elmer was born in the Town of Belgium on May 24, 1916, son of Frank and Catherine Seiler Wellenstein.

On May 15, 1976 he married Loretta Flerchinger (nee Krick) at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lake Church. She preceded him in death in 1981. On July 13, 1985, he married Clara Weyker (nee Schmitz) also at St. Mary in Lake Church.

Elmer worked as a Signal Man for Milwaukee Road for 38 years, retiring in 1978.

He was a member of St. Mary Parish in Lake Church. In his free time, Mr. Wellenstein enjoyed custom woodworking, gardening, reading and working crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his wife, Clara of Belgium; step-children, Gary (Arlene) Flerchinger of Chattanooga, TN, Jean (John Jr.) Wildhagen of Port Washington, JoAnn (Clark) Weeden of Plymouth, and Nancy (John) Jentges of Belgium. Further survived by 18 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, his brother, James Wellenstein and his sister, Margaret Wellenstein both of Random Lake, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his step-children, JoAnn (Leo) Zoeller and Dan (Linda) Weyker; 5 brothers, John, Leo, Joseph, Lawrence and Henry.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3 10:30 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Lake Church with Father Jim Ernster officiating. Interment Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 2 at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Avenue, Belgium, from 5-8 P.M, and Tuesday at the Church from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. Parish vigil service Monday at 7:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to a charity of choice suggested.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Belgium is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.

The Sheboygan Press

November 1, 2009