Archie “Art” Welke passed away in Chadron, on October 10, 2008.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Red Zone at 2:00 pm in Chadron, Nebraska.

Graveside services are going to be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 11:00 AM with Chaplain Norville Holtmeier officiating. A memorial has been established for the Chadron Rescue Unit. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, Nebraska 69337.

 

He was born in Sturgis, South Dakota on January 24, 1924 to Ferdinand and Anna (Mundt) Welke. He grew up in Wood Lake, Nebraska and served our country as a member of the United States Air Force in the Burma-China-India Conflict; he often talked of seeing the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in Calcutta, India. During active duty, he was awarded: the American Service Medal; Asiatic Pacific Service Medal; the World War II Victory medal, and Good Conduct medal. Art was honorably- discharged from the Air Force on March 13, 1946.

 

Art was married to Harriette Ryschon, on September 15, 1946 and began working got the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, the next day; he retired as a conductor following 38 years of service.