David Allen Welchans

David Allen Welchans, 74, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at his home in rural Farragut following a brief illness. He was born in Hamburg on December 17, 1949, the son of Carl and Martha (Bidwell) Welchans. His love for farming started at a young age when he learned to drive a tractor at the age of six.

Dave's education began at Sedgwick one-room country school in rural Fremont County. He graduated from Farragut High School in 1968. Following graduation, he attended Iowa State University for one year before enlisting in the Iowa National Guard, where he served for six years and was honorably discharged. In 1975 Dave married Ruth Oldaker and to this marriage a son and daughter were born. They later divorced.

He spent several decades farming in Fremont County. When he wasn't farming, Dave enjoyed operating a bulldozer and other dirt-moving equipment. His favorite pastime was creating “something out of nothing” from various pieces and parts in his shop. It gave him great satisfaction to fix problems with this talent.

He also enjoyed serving as a commissioner on the Fremont County Soil & Water Conservation Board for 25 years. Dave dedicated many hours of time and effort rebuilding the Southern Loess Hills Welcome Center at the intersection of Highway 2 and Interstate 29 after the floods of 2011 and 2019. He also served on the Board of Directors.Dave and Sheryl Sanders, with whom he enjoyed farming, flea markets, line dancing and later traveling, enjoyed more than 25 years of love and happiness.

Dave is survived by Sheryl Sanders of rural Farragut; children, Tom (Andrea) Welchans of Bondurant, Iowa, Jacque Welchans of Creston, Iowa, and Jed Sanders of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Hayden Welchans, Isaac Woolery, Jasmine (Aubrey) Essing, Madeline Woolery, Clint Nelson, and Tanner Nelson; brothers Kenny (Peggy) Welchans of rural Hamburg and Bill (Angie) Welchans of Farragut; niece and nephews Justin Welchans, Essex, Casey (Angie) Welchans of Nebraska City, Andy (Amanda) Welchans of Clarinda, Christan (Jeremiah) Ambrose of Gravity and Jacob Welchans of Farragut as well as other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Sarah Sanders-Woolery.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 1st at 10 a.m. at the Farragut Cemetery. 

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Southern Loess Hills Welcome Center.

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