Freddie James Welker

Freddie J. Welker, 62, of Elkhart, died Monday evening, September 21, 2015, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. He had been ill since 2007. He was born January 2, 1953 in Fort Worth, Texas to Freddie Junior and Oma Jean (Joseph) Welker. Survivors include two sons, Frederick C. (Jennifer) Welker and David J. Welker both of Goshen; caregiver and companion, Mary L. White of Elkhart; four grandchildren, Ethan, Keira, Caitlyn and Sophia Welker; a step-granddaughter, Victoria (Quinn) Delgado; and siblings, Freda (Bob) Dustin of Mishawaka, Jeff (Donna) Welker of Osceola, Ronald (Nancy) Welker of Crown Pointe, Brenda Reinholtz of Osceola, Howard (Deb) Welker of Mishawaka, Byron Welker of Niles, Michigan and Lisa (Chris) Tompkins of Elkhart. Freddie was a 1971 graduate of Penn High School and a Woodbadge Trained Scout Leader. He worked at Goshen Rubber for more than 25 years and was a Union Representative. He also worked at Panamax Plastic Co., Goshen and drove vans for the handicapped at Ace Cab Co. until he became ill. A memorial service and celebration of life service is planned for Saturday, October 3 starting at 1 p.m. in the new chapel at Woodlake Scout Reservation Camp Tamarack, 10891 Withers St., Jones, Michigan. A carry in meal will follow the service in the dining hall. Cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory. Memorial gifts may be directed to the LaSalle Council of the Boy Scouts of America or the St. Joseph Hospital Wound Care and Nephrology Department or to the family, care of Mary White, for final expenses.