Deseret News, Sunday, June 20, 1999

Obituary: Donald G. Welker

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." (Mother Teresa)

Donald Welker lived by this theme until the day he was called home on June 18, 1999 at the Sandy Regional Care Center in Salt Lake City.

Donald was born July 25, 1911 to Raymond and Elizabeth Wright Welker in Montpelier, Idaho. He was the middle child between brothers, Russ and Wright, and sisters, Catherine and June. As a child Donald learned to love reading, poetry and fly fishing. In his teen years he was an outstanding basketball, football and tennis player. Throughout his life he remained humble and never boasted about any accomplishment he may have made. He met his dream girl, Arline Sparks, at a dance in Bear Lake County and they married on August 2, 1934 in Soda Springs, Idaho. Don and Arline taught school together in Ovid and Bern, Idaho. Don received letters from former students even 50 years after he taught them. He was a wonderful teacher in school as well as in life.

In the early 50's, Don and Arline managed the Motor-Vu Theater and continued for over 20 years. At an earlier time, Don was an insurance agent for Kansas City Life Insurance. In every phase of his work he was honest, thorough, and dedicated. He loved and respected nature and became a superb flower grower. His Glads and Iris won many awards in flower shows. The thing Donald loved most however, was his family.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Donna and son-in-law, Wayne Glauser of South Jordan; grandsons, Matt (Kathe) Glauser of New Hampshire, Steve Glauser of Georgia; and his Pinochle buddy and granddaughter, Gina Nielson of Sandy, UT; two great-grandsons, Jake and Nick.

During the past 24 years Don has resided in Taylorsville and Sandy, Utah, near his family. His family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Sandy Regional who were so kind and loving to him and to the L.D.S. Branch for the kind support, blessings and prayers. A special thanks to Mary and Audrey for their faithful visits.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 21, 1999 at 11 a.m. at the Matthews Mortuary in Montpelier, Idaho.