William John Wellman

William John Wellman was born July 5, 1942 to Walter Wilson and Teresa Alvina (Tschample) Wellman on a farm in Wilkin County, MN, near Barnesville.  He grew up on the family farm in Deer Horn Township and attended Assumption School in Barnesville and then to Barnesville High School when he graduated in 1960.  During high school he was active in Track and Field and Basketball.  Following graduation, he entered the US Army and did his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and then was in the Army National Guard. 

Bill was married on November 20, 1965 to Mary Geringer and to this union two daughters were born Vicki and Tami. 

He worked in several places around the country.  Throughout his life Bill was a handyman and was known as the BJ Handyman Service.  He also ran a landscaping service, farm hand, and ran the heavy equipment at the beet plant. 

Bill enjoyed square dancing and ballroom dancing.  Playing cards was a favorite pastime.  He also enjoyed traveling different places in the world with his brother Bob and sister Judy.  Bill was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church and was active in the Knights of Columbus where he served many events at the Fargo Dome.    Hunting and fishing were always a highlight for him.  Bill will be remembered for his kind and joyful attitude through life. 

Bill is survived by two daughters Vicki (Douglas) Jensen of Kamas, UT, Tamara Wellman of Horace, ND, seven grandchildren: Kayla Jensen, Sean Jensen, Brady (Monica) Birrenkott, Katie Birrenkott, Karissa Driscoll, Jasmine Driscoll, Jaxon Moritz, two great grandchildren: Logan and Nolan Birrenkott, three siblings:  Robert (Cathy) Wellman of Brooklyn Park, MN, Betty Mertz of Bismarck, ND, Judy (Dan) Thompson of Barnesville, MN, aunt Delores Tschample of Miltona, MN, several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Teresa Wellman, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. 

William “Bill” Wellman passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 with his daughter at his side in Bethany Nursing Home of Fargo. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville, MN with Father Todd Arends presiding.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery with military honors. 

Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 PM, at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday.