David R. Welk Sr., age 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Kaukauna on Friday, January 6, 2023. He was born to the late Roger and Darlene (Fischer) Welk on January 2, 1949 in Merrill, WI. In spite of losing his right arm at the age of 17, he never let that hold him back. David was a graduate of Merrill High School in 1968 and then attended UW Stevens Point. On September 27, 1969, he married Caroline Ohlmann and they spent 36 years together. In 1986, David began his own pallet manufacturing business, C.D.D.&K. Enterprise. He went on to become a tool and hardware salesman for several years before his retirement. David had a passion for many things including: classic cars, collecting stamps, coins, and military memorabilia. He had a strong faith in God and will be remembered for his positivity and optimism about life. He was a proud dad and grandpa and loved spending time with his grandchildren and going word searches and puzzles.

David is survived by his three children, David (Heide Schmidt) Welk Jr.; Kristin (Neil) Surk; Katherine (Justin) Woller; grandchildren; Evan Welk; Jaycee Woller; and Jozy Woller; his sister, Vivian (Randy) Schlueter.

A prayer service for David will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Verkuilen- Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, Kaukauna, location, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. and will continue until the time of service. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. David’s family would like to thank the Kaukauna Police Department for their assistance as well as their kind words during this time.