Richard Leo Welle, 90, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, November 13 ^th , 2018. He was born September 5 ^th , 1928 in E. St. Louis, Illinois to Leo and Julia (Krite) Welle.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 68 years, Marilyn (Finnell) Welle, two sons, Peter Welle and Dr. Michael Welle.

He is survived by nine children: Teri (Henry) Hellrung of Alton, IL, Dr. Patrick (Mary)Welle of Fargo, ND, Tom (Tammy) Welle of Caseyville, IL, Julie (Marty) Mestemacher of Maryville, IL, Peggy Heise of Maryville, IL, Maria (Bob) Matthews of Maryville, IL, Jane Welle of Benld, IL,  Kathi (Jeff) Miller, University City, MO, Dave (Jen) Welle of Oregon, IL, 30 beloved grandchildren, 32 precious great grandchildren and one brother, Robert L. (Eileen) Welle of Collinsville, Illinois.

Richard served valiantly during the Korean Conflict serving in the Army as a Sergeant First Class for the 847 ^th Artillery Battalion.  He was a member of the Allied Printing Union and worked for the Collinsville Herald for 38 years. He was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville.

This former starting guard for the Collinsville Kahoks 1945-1946 season, stayed active in sports due to his love for fitness. He loved to run, play tennis, and he especially loved golf. For pure leisure, he loved long motorcycle rides and a competive game of bridge.

His favorite charitable activity was teaming up with his wife, Marilyn as a driver for Meals on Wheels.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 17 ^th , 2018 from 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, November 17 ^th , 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville.

Interment will follow in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Collinsville.

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, ABL Pregnancy Center, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or Hope Ranch of Freeburg, IL.