Eugene "Gene" Richard Welke, 78, of Plainview, Minnesota passed away on Sunday July 13, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. He was born on November 19, 1946, in Rochester, Minnesota to Raymond and Nilva (Wehrs) Welke. Gene graduated from Elgin – Millville High School and went on to attend Austin Vo Tech. On June 25, 1967, he married Ingrid Todtenhaupt at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin, Minnesota.

Gene served his country proudly in the US Army from December 13, 1967, to September 17, 1969, during the Vietnam Era. During his working years he was employed by Doane Grain Services, Plainview Dairy Supply, and as a salesman/regional manager for Agri-King, Inc for 28 years. Gene also drove the school bus for the PEM School district for decades.

Gene enjoyed attempting to play golf and was an avid golf cart driver. The Welke's spent many winters in Edinburg, Texas where he volunteered as garbage truck driver and postmaster at the Orange Grove R.V. Park. He was a member and served as a past commander of the Plainview American Legion Post #179, and the Plainview Lions Club. Gene was a member of the Church of Christ in Plainview.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Ingrid Welke of Plainview, three daughters, Vicki Schmidt of Plainview, Debbie Welke and Erika Welke both of Minneapolis, and a son Adam (Katie) Welke of West Concord; ten grandchildren, Joshua (Lauren) Schmidt, Stephanie (James) Lewerke, Trevor (Ari) Bruhnkeschmidt, Brandon Welke; Clara, Joseph, Nilva, and Erna Welke; and Jordan and Deven Wright; and two great-grandchildren Emmaline and Daphne Schmidt, with a third due in October; a sister Kathy (Dale) Ronning of Waverly, MN and two brothers, William "Bill" (Casey) Welke of Plainview and Robert "Bob" Welke of Millville; and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, a brother and a brother-in-law.

A memorial service for Gene will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Church of Christ in Plainview with Pastor Bob Blanshan officiating. The Inurnment will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston. Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. on Thursday until the time of service at the church. Memorials are preferred.