Delane E. Welsch

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Welsch, Delane E. Age 80, died on January 29. He was born on a farm in Milford, Nebraska, the eldest son of Emil and Iona. He graduated from the Univ. of Nebraska, enlisted in the Marine Corps serving from 1954-58 as a pilot with the VMA 324 squadron. After the service, he attended Michigan State Univ. and conducted his thesis work in Nigeria, receiving his Ph.D. in 1964. His first faculty position was at Texas A&M and in 1967 he joined the Rockefeller Foundation in Thailand, teaching agricultural economics, including faculty development at Kasetsart and Thammasat Universities. In 1976 he accepted a faculty position in the Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at the Univ. of Minnesota. He also served as Dean of Agricultural Programs at the University, working and traveling to Morocco, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. Following his international work, he returned to the classroom. He was a mentor to many graduate students worldwide, and was a champion of women's education. He loved flying, both with the Marines and later Piper Cubs and Moonies, scuba diving and old time dancing. Committed to community engagement with causes of restorative justice, work with the UCC, both his local church and with the wider church, and service on the Board of Global Ministries which was especially meaningful for him. Above all, he cherished time with his family, particularly the travel with his daughters and later his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Keith. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kay, two daughters, Susan Fahning (Paul), Jo Anne Welsch (Lafcadio Cortesi), five grandchildren, Diana, Heidi, Peter, Arianna and Zephania, and a sister, Linda Jensen, plus nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. The family is grateful for the wonderful care he received at St. Anthony Park Home. Flowers have been planned. Memorials are preferred to the New Brighton UCC, 1000 Long Lake Road, New Brighton, MN 55112. Visitation will be held Friday, February 6th from 5-8 PM at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL FUNERAL HOME; 515 Highway 96 W. at Mackubin, Shoreview. Funeral service Saturday, February 7th at 11 AM (visitation 10-11) at New Brighton UCC, followed by a luncheon. holcombhenryboom.com 651-482-7606

Published on February 1, 2015