W. D. "Willie" Welke, 88, of Redfield, SD, died Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Eastern Star Home in Redfield. Willie was cremated and his memorial service will be Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Reverend Josh Kendrick will officiate. Cremains burial, with military rites, will be at a later date. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Wilbur Dean "Willie" was born on May 18, 1925 near Tulare, SD to John and Alice (Felton) Welke. He attended school in Tulare. In 1943, Willie enlisted in the United States Army and served as a tank destroyer during World War II. Willie married Jean Shaw on August 21, 1946 in Redfield. They lived in Frankfort, Huron and Redfield. Willie owned and operated Welke Plumbing and Sanitation serving the Redfield area for many years. Willie and Jean spent many winters in California with family.

Willie is survived by his children: David Welke of Huron, SD and children Tina and Traci; Diane (Tom) Martin of Britton, SD and children Bret, Colin and Andrew; Jack (Peggy) Welke of Redfield and children Carmen and Toni; Jill Armstrong of El Cajon, CA and children Toni and Tara; and Debbie Evans of El Cajon, CA and children Randy and Ronny; and fifteen great grandchildren: Camdin, Dominic, Cohen, Beckam, Zander, Zavier, Zack, Cole, Crew Taylor, Sidnee, Daniel, Riley, Kristin, Trevor, Tessa, Jocelyn, Austin and a great-great grandchild James. He is also survived by his brothers: Clayton (Helen) Welke and Donald (Joyce) Welke both of Redfield and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean in 2012; his sister Maxine Palmer, infant daughter Mary Jane, daughter-in-law Margie (Nelson) Welke in 2005.