Francis Samuel Welp

After a long illness, Francis Samuel Welp passed away at home on July 16, 2021, at the age of 86.

He was preceded in death by two months by his wife of 56 years, Esther Welp, who died May 16, 2021.

To celebrate the lives of both, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 23, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas followed by a reception.  Francis' burial with military honors will be Monday, August 23, 2021, 2:15 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery at which time Esther's ashes will be interred alongside her husband.

Francis was born in Jamestown, Wisconsin, to Frank and Rita Welp. Known as Bud to his family, he was the oldest son of 14 children. He joined the U.S. Army as a teenager and served 24 years, including four combat tours, eventually becoming a sergeant first class. His duty stations included France, Vietnam, Okinawa, Germany, and numerous states.
After Francis’ military career, the couple returned to New Mexico to continue raising their three children. He worked at the golf course at Kirtland Air Force Base and for St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store before finally retiring.

A member of St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, he was a dedicated member of the John F. Kennedy Council of the Knights of Columbus. He always enjoyed working at the pancake breakfasts and Tootsie Roll fundraisers, and his many elected positions included serving as State Deputy.

Survivors include three children, John, Catherine, and Joseph; four grandchildren, Colin, William, and twins Fae and Gideon; his siblings, Pat (Jerry) Cullen, of Platteville, WI, Joyce (Ed) Kuhle, of Menominee, IL, Rita (Jim) Schlegel, of Dubuque, IA, Glen (Philly) Welp, of Cuba City, WI, Gail Welp, of Dubuque, IA, Paul (Sara) Welp, of Spring Green, WI, Greg (Diane) Welp, of East Dubuque, IL, and Jim (Linda) Welp, of Donahue, IA.  He also was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Arlene Smothers, Mary Merfeld, Marilyn Welp, Russell Welp, and Tom Welp.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John XXIII Catholic Church in Albuquerque.