Arthur Welton

Arthur Dale Welton passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at Winchester House from complications associated with Alzheimers. He was the oldest son born to Arthur and Mary Welton and lived in Gurnee all his life. Art attended Gurnee Grade School, Warren High School, Class of '58 and Parsons College in Iowa. From 1958 to 1965, Art served in the United States Army Corps (Reserve). Over the years, Art taught in the Gurnee School District and then spent the rest of his working years in the family grocery business where he loved to visit with all the customers. He was well known for being "a really great guy". He was always a kind, gentle and humble Christian. In 1968 he married Lynn Windhorst and they had three children. He was a life-long member of Gurnee Community Church and actively supported Boy Scout Troop 77 for many years. Art was an active volunteer of the Gurnee Fire Department for many years, working alongside Sam Dada. He was one the early paramedics when that program was instituted. Art truly loved Gurnee and served on the Gurnee Park Board for many years. Art was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed the Boundary Waters, camping and canoeing on the Des Plaines River. Art is predeceased by his parents Arthur and Mary, his wife Lynn and his nephew A.G. Hancock. Art is survived by his three children, David (Stephanie) of Colorado, Rebecca (Rob) Narrajos of Wheaton and Amy Welton of Kenosha. His five grandchildren that loved their "Papa", Bo and Jill, Jonas and Delilah, and Evelynn. Surviving sisters are Maryann (Dr. Manooch) Sharifi, Martha (Marvin) Schmidt, Sara (Al) Hancock, Nancy (Jim) Hayner and brothers Dick (Debby) Welton, Harry (Gail) Welton and Bill (Annette) Welton. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and his in-laws, the Windhorst Family. Special thanks to Art's sister Maryann and her husband Dr. Manooch Sharifi who were instrumental in Art's care for these past several years. Thanks also to the care givers at Winchester House and to the entire rest of Art's family whose focus was Art's well-being, safety and comfort. Visitation is Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 3-7pm at WARREN FUNERAL HOME, 1475 N. Cemetery Rd., Gurnee. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 3, 2013 at 11am at Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee with one hour of visiting prior to services at the church. Burial is private at Warren Cemetery, Gurnee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gurnee Community Church.