Edward Welu

EDWARD A. WELU, born May 21, 1930 to Edward and Loras Welu, Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2014, at Clare Oaks Retirement Community, Bartlett, Illinois surrounded by his loving family. His wife of 64 plus years of marriage, Betty McGinn-Welu. and his six children maintained a constant vigil until the end.

Ed is loved by Kathy Bertrand (John), Karen Mansfield, Karol Kuecker (Rod), Michael Welu (Kathy Zinkel), Sue Welu, and Debi Welu (Don Wagner), along with his eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Additionally, Ed leaves behind five nieces and twelve great nieces and nephews.

Ed is also survived by his brother, Jack Welu (Beverly) and sister, Patricia Brown (Jim) from the Dubuque, Iowa area.

Ed was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Tommy Welu, and grandson Jeremy Welu.

Ed began his long work relationship in the railroad industry in the early 1950's when he was hired by the Milwaukee Railroad and assigned the task of loading the refrigeration cars with blocks of ice. From that position, he advanced his career upwards by training himself as a male stenographer, learning and practicing management philosophies that later awarded him positions of manager in the traffic division assigned to the Chicago office. When the Milwaukee Railroad ceased, Ed was one of the last managers to lock the doors. He eventually continued his railroad career with the Wisconsin Central and SOO line railroads before he elected to retire.

Ed was a devote religious man and was one of the original founding members of St. Ansgar Roman Catholic Church in Hanover Park in 1968. Ed actively participated in the Church choir where his baritone voice could clearly be heard throughout the congregation, was a constant mainstay providing the lecturers at the 9am Sunday Mass, chaired many fundraising committees including the massive undertaking of the drive to construct the multi-purpose worship center in 1972. Additionally, he also participated in the creation of the St. Ansgar Men's Golf League where the league could be found on Wednesday evenings at the Bartlett Hills Country Club

Regardless of the activity, the FATHER was most devoted to his family. As his profession with the railroad rose, Ed was ever mindful of his family and their well being. From Salt Lake City, Utah to Metairie, Louisiana, and finally to the Hanover Park/Bartlett area in Illinois, his beckoning "whistle" was the audio reminder that you were required to respond and be present for daily family meals. His rule of thumb also was dictated by the neighborhood street lights. Once they're on, family home.

Visitation 9:00a.m. until time of mass 10:30a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at the Clare Oaks Sacred Heart Chapel, 801 Carillon Dr., Bartlett. Following Mass cremation at the Countryside Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Clare Oaks Employee Appreciation Fund, 827 Carillon Dr, Bartlett, IL 60103 in Edward’s name would be appreciated. Arrangements by Countryside Funeral Home, Bartlett. 630-289-7575 or www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com