Stan Welchel Passes On

With much sadness, we must report that Stan Whelchel passed away on Wednesday, March 7 at the University of Iowa Hospital. 

His funeral will be on Saturday, March 17 at 2:00 at the St. Timothy Lutheran Church at 1 Thelma St. in Hudson, Iowa. Visitation is one hour before the service at the church.

Stan was a high school biology teacher in the Waterloo schools. He was recognized with many awards for his teaching but he received his greatest rewards when his past students say things like “He inspired me to appreciate science as my teacher . . . He was one of my most influential teachers because of the service ethic he instilled in me.”

As a Kiwanian, Stan was always there to work with people. He was proud of being a Marine and every Veteran’s Day he would read a military poem or make a presentation about the military. One time he shared his research and stories about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Another time he told us of the Story behind the National Anthem.

Rough Riser members remember Stan.  They described Stan as “A good friend and loyal Kiwanian”; “A sweet soul”; “Always there with a ready ‘hello' and welcome to everyone”; “A gentle Marine and lover of America”; “A faithful and loyal Kiwanian”; “My favorite Marine and a patriot; always interesting to talk to.”; and  “An honorable man”.

Stan Welchel was a good man and he will be missed by all.

Memorials may be directed to the Hudson Education Fund (The Stan and Tedi Whelchel Scholarship Funds).  Condolences may be left at DahlFuneralHome.com

Stan Welchel Gives his Veteran's Day Presentation

November 8, 2017 - This last Wednesday our own member, former Marine Sargent Stan Welchel , gave a talk on the history, selection and traditions of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC.  His presentation which was filled with photos and stories reminded us of the supreme sacrifice that many ordinary soldiers have given as they fought for our freedoms in lonely global battlefields. An astounding story that Stan shared was that a lonely sentry guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier 24 hours a day. This soldier guards this hallowed ground so we can never forget the men and women who serve to protect this great nation.  

Thank you Stan, for making us remember that our freedom has a high cost and for your honorable service for our country.  

You make us feel proud to be Americans!

Written by Lynne Barnes

Stan Remembers Heros and Doug Shares the Future

May 24, 2017 - At our Kiwanis meeting last Wednesday Stan Welchel read a poem to remind us of the supreme sacrifice that many ordinary soldiers have given in the lonely battlefields fought for our freedoms we take for granted every day.   There wasn’t a dry eye in attendance.  Thank you Stan for making us remember that freedom has a terribly high cost and for your honorable service for our country.  You make us all feel proud to be an American!

Our esteemed member, Doug Nefzger, is the Cedar Falls Schools Business Manager. He gave us updates of all the construction projects currently happening for educating our children and youth for making a higher caliber citizen for tomorrow and the future job market.  He shared the plans for building the new elementary school that is being built on Erik Road. It will be named the Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary school in honor of this prolific and talented author who was born in Cedar Falls in 1881.  He also share the plans for the upgrades at Orchard Hill and North Cedar Elementary schools.  

We are at a crossroads. Thirty years from now, the Cedar Falls citizens will look back on these decisions to do these projects and rejoice.  The benefits won’t be felt until further down the road.  Doug shared that this is a huge initial construction payout, but the dividends far exceed  basic costs.  Thank you Doug for your expertise and tireless efforts to make these building projects come to fruition.  Written by Lynn Barnes