Vern Welter

Vern John Welter, 83 of Missoula passed away on Sunday, September 25 at his home with his family by his side.
He was born December 21,1932 to Nicholas and Elizabeth Welter in 'Stayton, OR and baptized into the Catholic church on Christmas day. As a child growing up, his family moved several times before settling in Colton, WA where he graduated from high school in 1951. He was an exceptional athlete, participating and lettering in football, basketball, baseball and boxing.
Vern served in the Army during the Korean war. He was a paratrooper and a graduate of the first special forces brigade that became the Green Berets. After leaving active duty, he moved to Pullman, WA where he met Evelyn Behler. The two were married on July 28,1956 in Ferdinand, ID.
The couple lived in Pullman where Vern began his 32 year career with the US Postal Service in 1958. He advanced in his career becoming Postmaster in Lacrosse, WA and Orofino, ID where he served for 9 years prior to his retirement. He also served as Interim Postmaster in both Pullman, WA and Colfax, WA. He was a former Vice President of the Orofino Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of--the Parish Council at St. Theresa's Church and President of the Orofino Kiwanis Club.
While in Pullman, Vern was active in the Catholic Church and instrumental in establishing the Pullman chapter of the Knights of Columbus, serving as the chapter's very first Grand Knight. He coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball and served as Team Manager for the Pullman American Legion Baseball team for many years.
Vern and Evelyn moved to Missoula 17 years ago to be closer to family. He has been an active member of the Missoula community, volunteering for many years at St. Patrick Hospital and the Missoula Food Bank. He also volunteered for the Poverello Center, the
J Missoula Symphony Association, and Montana Lyric Opera.
He is survived by Evelyn, his wife of 60 years; his son James and family (Leslie) Amber and Ashleigh Welter; his daughter Patricia and family (Bob) Coby and Katy Clay; two brothers, Don and Marvin Welter and a sister, Darlene Meyer. Vern was kind, patient and most importantly, a good man. His family will miss him forever.
• Services will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic church in Missoula. Rosary will be on October 5 at 7:00 PM, the Funeral Mass on October 6 at 10:30 AM with reception to follow. Burial will be Friday October 7 at 11:00 AM at the Ferdinand, ID Cemetery with Vern receiving full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a mass be said for Vern. This is easily done through the Seraphic Mass Assn, by using their website seraphicmass.org
Condolences for the family may be left at www.gardencityfh.com