Weldon Earl Garrelts

Weldon Earl Garrelts, 90 of Philo passed away at 6:14PM, Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, Philo with Pastor Donna Hacker Smith officiating.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.  Visitation will be from 9 to 11AM Tuesday at the church.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Garrelts was born January 3, 1935 in Roberts, IL, a son to Henry and Lilly Rupp Garrelts.  He married Alice Finkbone on May 31, 1959.  She preceded in death on September 14, 2010.

Surviving is a son; Danny (Connie) Garrelts of St. Charles, MO, a daughter in law Wafaa Garrelts of Oklahoma City, OK, six grandchildren; Michael and Rachel Garrelts, Sarah (Luke) Kinny, John (Anna) Garrelts and Adam and Sophia Garrelts. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son; David Garrelts, and several brothers and sisters.

Weldon was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Philo, served in the United States Army, and a member of the Philo Lions Club.  He graduated from the University of Illinois in Aviation, where he became head of aircraft maintenance and later a Professor of Aviation at the U of I.  He also was an aircraft accident investigator.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Philo.

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