Obituary
Herman William Welke, beloved father and grandfather, passed away quietly of cancer in the early morning hours of Oct. 14. As the patriarch of the Welke family, Herman had strong character, unmistakable presence and unique charm. He was a talented carpenter and construction superintendent â??his unyielding work still stands solid today in the form of essential schools, busy office buildings, comfortable homes and industrial innovations.
Herman was born to Gustav and Eva Welke in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 26, 1928, as the last of seven children. In 1947, he graduated from The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades, where Herman achieved a degree in Construction Technology, Carpentry Emphasis. His suave dancing skills and gregarious charisma during this time also earned him the reputation of Williamson's own Clark Gable by his classmates. He met his lovely bride-to-be Delores Welke at a dance and they soon eloped when he was 20 years-old. They raised their three children in Hamilton Township, N.J., in a house in which Herman oversaw the construction. His undying love and obvious affection for Delores stayed true to the end of her life and beyond.
His many professional accomplishments included testing his angling skills as a commercial fisherman, serving his country in the Navy Reserves from 1944 to 1948, owning and operating his own stair-building company, and overseeing construction of the many commercial buildings. He was most proud of the 17-story Municipal Services Building in Philadelphia.
Herman is survived by his devoted sons Mark and Eric, his caring daughter-in-laws Lynne and Nancy, his adoring grandchildrenâ??Desiree, Bryce, Misa, Michele, Jason, Hildi and Patrickâ??and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Susie and his wife Delores.
Funeral services will be held 12 noon Monday, Oct.18, at the Peppler Funeral Homeâ??114 South Main St., Allentown, N.J. Gravesite services will follow at Princeton Memorial Park, 403 Gordon Rd, Robbinsville. Family and friends may call from 10 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.
Herman was born to Gustav and Eva Welke in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept. 26, 1928, as the last of seven children. In 1947, he graduated from The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades, where Herman achieved a degree in Construction Technology, Carpentry Emphasis. His suave dancing skills and gregarious charisma during this time also earned him the reputation of Williamson's own Clark Gable by his classmates. He met his lovely bride-to-be Delores Welke at a dance and they soon eloped when he was 20 years-old. They raised their three children in Hamilton Township, N.J., in a house in which Herman oversaw the construction. His undying love and obvious affection for Delores stayed true to the end of her life and beyond.
His many professional accomplishments included testing his angling skills as a commercial fisherman, serving his country in the Navy Reserves from 1944 to 1948, owning and operating his own stair-building company, and overseeing construction of the many commercial buildings. He was most proud of the 17-story Municipal Services Building in Philadelphia.
Herman is survived by his devoted sons Mark and Eric, his caring daughter-in-laws Lynne and Nancy, his adoring grandchildrenâ??Desiree, Bryce, Misa, Michele, Jason, Hildi and Patrickâ??and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Susie and his wife Delores.
Funeral services will be held 12 noon Monday, Oct.18, at the Peppler Funeral Homeâ??114 South Main St., Allentown, N.J. Gravesite services will follow at Princeton Memorial Park, 403 Gordon Rd, Robbinsville. Family and friends may call from 10 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.
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