Darrell "Pete" Welter, 83, New York Mills, died Saturday, June 20, 2015.
Darrell LeRoy Welter was born November 6, 1931, in Newton Township, MN. He was baptized along with three of his siblings on February 5, 1935, at the home of Harry and Leona Petersen in Davies, Homestead Township, MN and confirmed at St Peters Lutheran Church, New York Mills in June, 1946. He started country school in Davies and graduated from New York Mills High School in 1951 where he lettered in football. Pete joined the United States Army in September 1952, served in the Korean War carrying shrapnel in his shoulder. He received his honorable discharge as corporal in August 1960. Pete was proud to serve his country and stayed involved as a member of VFW Post 3289 in New York Mills, serving as Commander, and later as a member of VFW Post 1676 in Detroit Lakes. He was an active member of the Color Guard at both Posts and an Order of the Cooties. Pete also served on the New York Mills City Council and was a member of the New York Mills Lions. He was a part of many community projects.
Preceding Pete in death were his father Ray Patrick and mother Elsie Louise (Brasel), brother Gregg, brother-in-law Milo Mathiason, and niece Karen (Mathiason) Bellefy.
Surviving are his brother Kenneth "Bud" (Dorothy) of New York Mills, sisters Margaret "Babe" Meyer of Perham, Alvina "Fats" Mathiason of Grand Rapids, and Betty (Dennis)Swenson of New York Mills. Along with his nieces Karla (Jack), Keyna (Roger), Jona (Doug), Peggy, and Rita (Dennis); his nephews Keith (Kris), Dean (Deb), Dan (Bonnie), Darin (Julie), Brien (Deb), David (Yvonne), Mark (Ellie), and Mike (Nina). With many more grand and great-grand nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Pete's first job was at the Welter Sales Barn alongside Dad, Mom, Bud and Babe. He also worked for Herzog Roofing throughout the region. Construction work took him to Montana and Washington State besides numerous jobs in the area. Pete enjoyed cabinet making and was always willing to help family and friends with projects.
Pete had a sense of humor and was known for his practical jokes. He will be sadly missed by the many lives he touched.
A prayer service will be held in the community room at Heritage Manor, New York Mills, MN at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2015. A Military Honor service will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in New York Mills, MN.