Richard Welchlin

FAIRMONT - Richard Welchlin was born in November 1927, in Fairmont, Minn.

He was the youngest child born to Ed and Zella Welchlin. His first years of school were in a one-room school house. His schooling was completed in the Fairmont city schools, graduating in 1945. He went on to study at the University of Minnesota, School of Agriculture. In 1949, he married Dorothy Werth at St. John's United Church of Christ. He was called up with the Minnesota National Guard, serving during the Korean Conflict, and returned to work at Fairmont Railway Motors. In 1959, he went to Mankato State College getting a bachelor's degree in social studies.

In 1962, the Welchlin family moved to Eden Theological Seminary. Graduating in 1965, he completed his Master's of Divinity studies and was ordained into the ministry. His first church was at Zion United Church of Christ in Delaware, Ohio, and then on to Chapel Hill Nursing Home in Canal Fulton, Ohio, to supervise the expansion of their facilities.

In 1973, he and Dorothy relocated in Phoenix, Ariz. Soon, he accepted the call to the First Congregational Church in Perris, Calif. He also served as a substitute teacher in the Perris High School and became involved in organizing tennis tournaments for the Perris Valley Tennis Association and giving tennis lessons. He retired from teaching while serving the Perris Continuation School as teacher, tutor and softball team organizer.

Richard passed away in October, just six months after the passing of his wife of 60 years, Dorothy. He is survived by his brother and sister, as well as his three daughters, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.