Obituary of Col. Charles R. Wellner

Memories of our Dad Charles R. Wellner, a class act and a true gentleman, passed away January 7th. He grew up in Windom, Minnesota, where he was an avid HAM radio operator and an Eagle Scout. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a DDS degree. Charles was married to Bernice Koenekamp until her death in 1977. He served in the USAF and was stationed at bases all over the world and served in Vietnam. He achieved the distinguished rank of full Colonel. His lifetime memberships include the American Dental Association, Military Officers Association of America, and Delta Sigma Delta. Upon retirement, Charles pursued his passion of antique clock restoration. His dry wit, command of short stories, and the singing of old commercial jingles helped him win the heart of Sandra Dunaway, whom he married in 1993. Their lives actively revolved around family, cruises and the occasional trip to the casino. • Charles taught his four girls to dance, having them stand on his toes during the Lawrence Welk show, and dancing around the living room. In spite of his love of music, he never was a very good dancer. • Charles never missed the annual birthday call to his daughters, when he sang "Happy Birthday". • His favorite TV shows were Matlock, In the Heat of the Night, Gun Smoke, the Walton's, and Star Trek. • The reason his wife Sandy was first attracted to him was because of his Mr. Magoo laugh and that he was always a gentlemen. His first token of affection was a bouquet of radishes (from his garden), tied to her door knob. • He was very frugal always asking his wife and daughters, "Where is my receipt and change?" • As any Eagle Scout would do, Charles taught his daughters how to fix a flat, change a spark plug, change the oil, and rewire a lamp. He even made sure his wife, Sandy, could demonstrate the ability to change a tire. • "Any man can be a Dad, but it takes a special man to be a Step-Dad. He accepted us into his family like we were his own children and shared his kindness, love and support to each of us."- Tammy Dunaway-Umstott. • "Charles was the best step-father that I could have ever asked for. He accepted me as if I were his own son. There are so many great things I could say about him, but one thing that will always stand out in my mind is how humble he was. Charles was such an accomplished man, but he never really dwelled on it. Instead he was more interested in listening to what you had to say and knowing what was going on in your life at the time. He was truly an officer and a gentlemen, but most of all - he was the man I was proud to call my step-father."- Curtis Dunaway • Cherishing his memory is his wife Sandra, his daughters Debby Loree, Kathy Wellner-Stankie (Greg), Sandy Knowlden (Ron) and Lori Pate (Tim); and extended family, Tammy Dunaway-Umstott (John) and Curtis Dunaway (Diana) . Nephews Del, Jay, and Todd Koenekamp , Danny Duray, niece Jodi Thompson, sister-in-laws Irene Koenekamp and Linda Duray, brother-in-law Bruce Duray and Aunt Adeline Wellner. He was the proud grandfather of Aerwen and Paul Loree, Alex and Charlie Stankie, Cali, Tristan and Bryce Knowlden, Timmy Pate, Kyle Laursen, Danny Saldivar, and Quinn Dunaway. He will be missed by the family pet, Ginger. A memorial service will be held January 12th, 1:00 p.m., at Brings, 6910 East Broadway. Interment to follow at - East Lawn, 5801 East Grant Road. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Tucson Medical Center - Hospice, at 5301 East Grant Road, 85712.