Robert W. Welte

Robert W. Welte, 97, of Rockford, died Friday, April 29, 2016 at River Bluff Nursing Home after a short illness. He was born January 21, 1919 in Rockford, the son of Henry and Mary (Jacobi) Welte. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1937. On May 1, 1943, he married Marjorie L. Green at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oregon, IL. He served in the United States Navy during WWII as a S.K.V. second class. He was a charter member at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Robert worked as a wood pattern maker for 45 years before retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Rockford Pattern Makers Association, where he held the position of Business Manager and Financial Secretary for 20 years. Robert also was a member of the General Executive Board of the Pattern Makers League of North America in Washington D.C. for 9 years. Robert enjoyed square dancing and cruises in his free time.
He is survived by his brother, Richard Welte of Apple Valley, CA; his children, Judith Kolata of Rockford, Bill (Maggie) Welte of Fresco, CA, and John (Barb) Welte of Rockford; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, his parents, brother, John F. Welte, and sister, Edna Richardson.
Special thank you to River Bluff, and V.N.A. Hospice for their care and support of Robert.
Memorial Mass will be held at St. Bernadette Catholic Church on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Inurnment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family appreciated.