David A. Welder

David A. Welder, 72, of Gettysburg passed away, Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.

Mass of Christian Burial was held August 12, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gettysburg, with Father Brian Simon presiding. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery at Mobridge.

Dave was born May 27, 1950, to Michael and Barbara (Zahn) Welder at Mobridge, the third of a large family. He was nurtured by his parents, five brothers, three sisters on a farm near Glencross. While the financial environment was challenging, he was supported by a loving Catholic church and family, dependent on the supply of a loving and always adequate, if not generous God.

Dave enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycles, which he pursued into his later years. While academics were challenging to Dave, he learned the hard physical work of any farm boy of the 1950s. He graduated from Timber Lake High School in 1970. He had an appreciation for the mechanics of engines and attended Mitchell VoTech in Mitchell. He worked at various agricultural entities before moving to Texas to join a combine crew in the 1970’s.

There, he met and married Roxanne Irons. Three children were born into this family: Tami Land, Karen, and David are all current residents of Texas. The family moved from Texas to Mobridge, where he worked as a mechanic, and then to the Onida area where Dave spent several years in the trucking industry. He frequently indicated that those years were to teach appreciation for other jobs.

Dave spent his later years at Gettysburg where he enjoyed “Buddy,” his large cat, as well as a community of cats that frequented his generous feed trough.

Dave was compromised by heart disease from his middle age going forward. After a harrowing attack of Covid, he eventually entered the Avera Oahe Manor.

He is survived by his three children; three grandchildren and one deceased; five brothers and three sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, PO Box 285, Gettysburg, SD 57442, or just feed the cats.