Leo J. "Joe" Welling

Leo Joseph "Joe" Welling at 94, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital, he was born on January 8, 1932, in Battle Creek, Michigan. The son of Leo J. Welling Sr and Caroline (Godde) Welling.

Joe graduated from Galesburg High School in Galesburg, Michigan in 1949, He graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan majoring in pulp and paper technology, chemistry and mathematics. Joe served his country in the Untied States Air force from 1951-1955 serving at Kunsan Air Force Base. In Kunsan, Korea with the 8th attack squadron. In 1952 he was awarded the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a member of the VFW Post 2534, he was honored to fly on the never forgotten honor flight on May 19, 2014, to Washington D.C. with his son Philip as guardian. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1558, recording secretary 1968-1995 and a member of the second-degree team. Joe also volunteered for the Grand Rapids Fire Department for 27 years, Captain for 8 years, he also enjoyed traveling, he was a winter Texan in Brownsville and Harlingen, Texas since 1995. He also enjoyed golf and fishing, watching the Badgers, Brewers and Packers on television. He also loved to exchange news and email with family and friends on his computer.

Joe married Margaret Perlick on October 18, 1952, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, they later divorced in 1980. Joe worked for Consolidated papers as a coating superintendent until his retirement.

Joe is survived by his children, Thomas (Karen) Welling, Edward Welling, Andrew Welling and Philip Welling; his grandchildren, Brittany Welling, Kali Welling and Joseph I Welling; great grandson Ashton Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Ethel Welling; his sister Mary A. Welling; brother Edward (Louise) Welling; half sister Lorraine Welling; and by a special friend Dee Ironside.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home. With Military Honors and Firefighter Honors conducted. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.