"We just had an alumni reunion on June 4, and Mr W was fondly remembered. I am surprised at how young he was then! He bravely introduced us to the trampoline, encouraging all to reach heights in spite of our hesitation. A Life Lesson for sure! RIP "
In loving memory of
Wally Welander
June 10, 2022
Wally Welander, aged 78, passed away on June 10, 2022, at home in Phoenix, Arizona. He was the husband of Robin Lokken Welander. They shared 17 years of marriage together. Wally and Robin shared a love very deep for each other and those around them. Through this marriage Wally became a father figure for Robin's children. Wally's first marriage to Linda Welander gave him three wonderful children. He was always willing to listen to anyone he met. In doing so he would make an everlasting impact on their lives. He was a mentor, teacher, and provided support to students, friends and colleagues.
Born in Fremont, NE, he was the son of Floyd Welander and Dorothy Presba. He graduated from Woodbine High School in 1962. He was a graduate of Dana College in the year of 1966, also inducted to the athletic hall of fame. After college he went on to be a teacher for many years. While teaching he received his master's in educational leadership from Drake University. He continued as a principal for many years. He then moved on to a sales career. He made many connections throughout his career and developed deep meaningful relationships.
Wally was a Christian and regularly attended church. He enjoyed sports as a competitive player. He played basketball, baseball, track, and was an avid fan of all sports. He will be remembered by what he did as a teacher and coach, his ability to talk to anyone and positively influence people was a gift to all who met him.
He is survived by wife Robin Welander, his daughter Wendy Welander and husband Brad Bell, daughter Wynn Dau and husband Kevin Dau, son Marc Welander and wife Heather Welander. Through marriage daughter Leah Haug and husband Corey Haug, son Jerod Callahan and wife Katie Lebeda, and son Jason Bruner. Wally had three sisters Carol Welander, Patricia Svacina and husband Bob Svacina, Barbara Corrieveau and husband Andre Corrieveau. 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, two fur babies Rudy and Jackson and the whole Welander clan. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Carol, and his son Jason.
Tributes
"Mr. Welander was one of my favorite teachers at West Harrison Community High School. He was also an awesome mentor/instructor for our Methodist Youth Fellowship. I'm blessed to have known him. Prayers of comfort to his loved ones. "
"Coach Welander was a great influence in my life. He was a great baseball coach but taught me so much more than the game. I always had the greatest respect for him as a teacher, coach and person. May he rest in peace."
"I truly enjoyed Wally as a our little league baseball coach and principal at East Monona. He was always teaching us life lessons while coaching. Great memories. He will be missed. Prayers to his family. "
"So sorry to hear this played a lot of basketball with him great teacher and coach "
"Coach saw me shooting hoops across the street of my dad's shop with an old worn out basket ball. I was in 7th grade. He stop by and gave me a new high school ball . He said, "You keep shooting ." Spent a lot of hours with coach W playing for him. He really cared about kids at COU."
"Sending thoughts and prayers to the family. I remember Wally teaching us to do backflips at the pool in Charter Oak. Wonderful man. "
"Wonderful friend in our five years at Charter Oak-Ute. Wendy was a junior bridesmaid in our wedding. "
"Rest in peace Grandpa. Until we meet again ?"
"Rest in peace Dad!"