Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Conservation Officer Gerald F. Welling

Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan

End of Watch Sunday, September 10, 1972

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Conservation Officer Gerald F. Welling

50 years Dad, seems almost impossible. We gathered on the 10th to honor you. You are always with us I know and never forgotten.

Meredith
Daughter

September 12, 2022

Officer Welling,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 10, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 10, 2020

We think of you all of the time, but today always brings the pain and loss back.

I hope that you, Mom and Sharon are surrounded in joy and peace.

You were taken from us, but your legacy lives on and on.

Love you still -

Marilyn Bell, Daughter

September 10, 2020

RIP Dad, you have been reunited with more loved ones this year. Can it really be 48 years, sure doesn’t seem like it on a day like today. Love you always.

Meredith
Daughter

September 10, 2020

9/10/2019 - you're still our hero Dad. We still miss you so much.

Marilyn "Welling" Bell
Daughter

September 10, 2019

This whole event was a travesty. Officer Welling's life was taken by an act of willful intent by a poacher. Then the community came to the defense of the murderer. All these years later and I, as a member of the Michigan DNR at that time, am still angry over this event. Gerald Welling was a good man, out doing his job for the State of Michigan and its people. This was a senseless MURDER.

Forest Fire Officer
Michigan DNR

September 11, 2018

Well Dad, Mom is finally with you. You both waited a long time to be reunited. Keep watching over all of us. Still missing and loving you.

Meredith
Daughter

September 10, 2017

Never, ever forgotten. RIP my brother behind the badge.

Rita Ann Morrison, Dispatcher, retired
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Department

September 10, 2015

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 12, 2015

Stopping by to pay tribute to a legendary Michigan hero. Praying God fills the huge hole left behind during each day and especially the holidays.

Officer Gene "Jitters" Tobin #158
Grand Rapids Police-Retired

December 16, 2014

Rest in peace Dad, remembering you on this tragic 41st anniversary. Marilyn stated it very eloquently below and I agree. Love you always.

Meredith
Daughter

September 10, 2013

Still missing you and always will. I watched the sun come up today, thinking about you and trying very hard to focus on what you would want me to feel on this anniversary and I believe you'd want me to focus on all of the blessings - I am working on that.

Love you Dad

Marilyn, Daughter

September 10, 2013

Days pass, our family grows. You have 7 great grandchildren now (David, Mollie, Lexie, Carter, Elizabeth, Sophia, Maddilyn and Baby "T" is almost here.

Yet, with each wonderful arrival we continue to miss you so very much.

Marilyn
Daughter

June 17, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 41rst anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for the solace of all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their devotion to you through their reflections.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

May 4, 2013

As a former MI DNR officer, I thank you for your service.

U.S. Park Ranger
USNPS - Grand Canyon National Park

April 20, 2013

12/31/2012 and we are soon to start another year without you and without Sharon. The amount that we miss you and love you has not diminished - it has grown.

Marilyn

December 31, 2012

Mr. Welling what a wonderful family you and your wife raised. I was very young when you were taken from them and I know that you would be very proud of who they have become. Very inspirational and brilliant - thank you so much for what you gave all of us!
RIP

Tracy Monk
Friend of the family

September 10, 2012

Remembering you today Dad, 40 years from your end of watch. Stacy recently was married and you have another great grandchild on the way. You would be so proud of all your grandchildren and great grandchildren. Give Sharon a hug for us all.

Meredith
Daughter

September 10, 2012

A hero may fall but shall never be forgoteen, RIP Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 3, 2012

I miss you every day and always will - but September 10th is especially hard. This year, you have Sharon with you and somehow - that is comforting. I hope you know how much we love you.

Marilyn
Daughter

September 10, 2011

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest in Peace CO.

Trooper
Michigan State Police

November 11, 2010

Remembering you Dad, 38 years on the 10th. Think about you often and know that you are watching out for all of us.

Meredith
Daughter

September 12, 2010

Remembering you today Dad, 38th anniversary of your death and sacrifice.

Meredith
Daughter

September 10, 2010

There are so many things that I would like to say, I never had the honor of meeting you in this life but I know that I will in the next. I think of you all of the time, my son David Gerald Welling just turned ten on sept. 3 I truely believe that he is alot like you Grandpa he loves the outdoors and I just wanted to say we all miss you very much. Love you Grandpa!!

Rebecca Smith (Welling)
Granddaughter

September 11, 2009

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.