Dan Wellnitz

February 6, 1947 - April 3, 2017

Dan Wellnitz, 70, of Redwood Falls died Monday, April 3, 2017 in his home. Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 7, 2017 from Church of the Sacred Heart in Franklin with inurnment to follow in Birch Coulee St. Patrick’s Cemetery, rural Franklin. Visitation will be held Friday, from 9 until 11 a.m., at the church. Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com. Darwin “Dan” Fredric Wellnitz, the son of Fredric and Susan (Osborne) Wellnitz, was born February 6, 1947. He grew up in Franklin and received his formal education in Franklin Public School, graduating in 1966. On April 29, 1967, Dan married Marilyn Willhite. She preceded him in death in 2009. On October 29, 2011, Dan married Melissa Starrett and they made their home in Redwood Falls. Dan owned and operated D&M Concessions and also was a motor coach driver for Iyanka Dakota and Cedar Mountain Bus Company. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and playing cards and games. In his younger days, Dan loved to race cars. He is survived by his wife Melissa of Redwood Falls; sons Dan (Megan) Wellnitz Jr. of Morton, and Allan Wellnitz, David Wellnitz, and Paul Wellnitz all of Redwood Falls; and step-children Christopher (Cassie) Koppen of Mankato, Brittany Lang of Mankato, and Pat (Shayla) Lang of Springfield. Also surviving are his grandchildren Lynn (Erich) Ducheneaux, Bridget (Wendel) D’souza, Dustin Wellnitz, Brandon Wellnitz, Cody Wellnitz, Tessa (Kevin) Remmele, Jasmine (Ryan) Kix, Payton Wellnitz, and Elizabeth Pratt; great-grandchildren David, Julius, Aiden and Paisley; and sister Linda May Wellnitz of Olivia. Dan was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marilyn; and grandsons Darwin and Wyatt Blessed be his memory.