Duane "Curly" K. Welter, 82, of Eau Claire died Monday, January 3, 2005, at Sacred Heart Hospital after enduring 20 years of health problems. \r\nHe was born in the town of Union on August 27, 1922, to Edward and Nettie Schwartz Welter. He attended various Eau Claire Schools, graduating from Senior High in 1940. In November 1942 he enlisted in the Air Force serving in Florida, Alabama, Texas, and Guam until his honorable discharge in January 1946. Curly returned to Eau Claire where he married Lucille "Lou" Schultz, spending most of fifty plus years at 315 Long Street.\r\nThey had two sons John and James who were a source of pride and enjoyment for them as well as support during their last twenty years.\r\nCurly spent the majority of his work years as a salesman with Ed Phillips and Sons. After his retirement many of his customers kept in touch reminiscing about their association with many humorous stories to share. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #305.\r\nCurly was a colorful, charismatic, loyal man, and a wonderful husband, father, and friend who will be greatly missed.\r\nSurvivors include his wife, Lou; two sons, John (Josie) of Eau Claire and Jim (Lou) of Minneapolis; three grandchildren, Paul (Rebecca) Welter of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Chris (Nicole) Welter of Milwaukee, and Alicia (Shawn) Wisenbeck of Elk Mound; five great grandchildren, Danny and Andy Welter of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Chante' and Cevon Welter of Milwaukee, and Kaden Duane Wisenbeck of Elk Mound; brother, Bob (Elaine) Welter and sister, Bernadette (Norm) Peterson of Eau Claire; sister-in-law Betty Welter of Prairie du Chien; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Edward, Donald, and infant, James; and two sisters-in-law, Kathryn and Betty Ann Welter.\r\nWe wish to express our gratitude to all of the medical people, the Sacred Heart Staff, and especially the Dialysis Unit for their care and compassion.\r\nFuneral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2004, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home with Father Edmund Klimek officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery where VFW Post #305 will conduct military graveside rites. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and an hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home.There will be a 7 p.m. prayer service Thursday evening at the funeral home.

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