Welter, Alan R.

Alan R. Welter, 56, of rural Onslow, died at 5:55 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013, at his home following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Friends and relatives of Alan may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, where a wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Temple Hill, with the Rev. Neil Manternach officiating. Assisting deacon will be Joe Schockemoehl. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery at a later date.

Alan was born July 18, 1956, in Iowa City, son of Herman and Veronica (Manternach) Welter. He graduated from Midland Community High School in Wyoming, Iowa, in 1974. After graduation, Alan began his lifelong love of agriculture while farming with his brothers and managing Welter Seed and Honey Co. Alan was highly regarded by his peers in the seed industry due to his expertise; he was indeed, “outstanding in his field.” His work ethic was second to none and he was very proud of all the things he could accomplish in a day, a season and in his life. He loved working the land and fostering relationships with his customers, both at the seed house and with Mycogen Seeds. While Alan enjoyed occasional travel and watching football, he lived for the smell of freshly cut hay and the hearty smell of corn and beans being combined in the fall.

Demonstrating his concern for others and hoping to further advance cancer research, Alan selflessly requested to donate his body to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.

He is survived by his mother, Veronica Welter; 11 brothers and sisters, Mel (Rita) Welter of Monticello, Ann (Wayne) Turnis of Dubuque, Dan Welter of Onslow, Les Welter of Onslow, Herb (Paula) Welter of Lincoln, Neb., Joan (Mike) Turnis of Bernard, Ken Welter of Onslow, Jim (Denise) Welter of Onslow, Connie (Mark) Singletary of Colleyville, Texas, Julie (Pat) Shay of Ankeny, and Karen (Scot) Knepper of Cascade; 27 nieces and nephews; and cherished friend, Penny Splinter of Dubuque, Iowa.

Alan was preceded in death by his father, Herman Welter in 2005; and his brother, Gary Welter in 1989.

A memorial fund has been established in Alan's name.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffunerlahomeinc.com.

Published April 21, 2013 in The Gazette