Fred Wellnitz

Shelley (Fred) George Wellnitz, of Richville, passed away unexpectedly in his home Sunday, June 2, 2024 at the young age of 63, surrounded by his family. 

Fred was born May 26, 1961 in Appleton to George and Evelyn (Holman) Wellnitz. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He graduated from Ortonville High School in 1979 and Central Lakes College of Staples in 1981 for Heavy Equipment Operations. Fred was united in marriage with Brenda Mae Bogan on June 18, 1982 at St. Joesph’s Catholic Church in Montevideo, MN. They spent most of their life and raised their daughters in Montevideo. Fred spent many hard-working years in many roles in asbestos abatement, specifically being one of the first asbestos inspectors for Minnesota schools, operating the family business, Quad State Asbestos Removal, Inc. starting in 1990, and since 2017 a supervisor for VCI Environmental, Inc.

Fred enjoyed and cherished all his spare time he could get with his family; from countless hours fishing on the lake, canning salsa and his famous spaghetti sauce with homegrown tomatoes and peppers from his garden, traveling, hunting, playing dice and cards around the Great Room table, going out for supper, fishing at Lake of the Woods with his grandsons and Evan. He was everybody’s friend and go-to guy, he always seemed to have a solution to everything. He always welcomed everyone with open arms and a big smile.

Fred wrote a special message for his family a few months ago along with other funeral arrangement preferences and wanted it shared when the time came; “I might not have been the best dad, but I tried. I worked out of town too much but always came home and cleaned the house, did the dishes, so when I left again on Monday morning, I was happy to know I would come home from work to do it all again. You all know how much I loved you all, might not have showed it much, but I think you knew. My grandkids are the love of my life, “other than grandma”, but I cherish you all.”

He is survived by his wife, Brenda; three daughters: Amy Osterfeld and her husband Ross of Clara City, MN, Amanda Wellnitz and her fiancé Mitch of Montevideo, MN, and Andrea Feldhake and her husband Scott of Montevideo, MN; nine grandchildren: Alexandra Kirking (Ry), Thomas Kirking (Holly), Christian Kirking (Jadyn), Lane Osterfeld, Carter Houle, Haven Osterfeld, Lauryn Houle, Eliana Feldhake, and Cole Feldhake; two great-granddaughters: Taya and Aryah; siblings Mike (Laurie) Wellnitz of Louisberg, MN, Steve (Vickie) Wellnitz of Montevideo, MN, Lori (Bill) Miller of Danbury, WI, and Tammy (Pete) Whalen of Big Lake, MN; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Preceding him in death were his parents; nephew, Dallas Miller; life-long friend, Nicholas Streifel; and animal companion, Addy.

Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at St. John's Lutheran Church near Ottertail, MN. Burial will be in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery near Richville, MN.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com