Bernard F. Welly, age 82, of Tiffin, Ohio died at 3:47p.m., Saturday, May 15, 2010 at his residence. He was born December 16, 1927 to the late Nicholas and Veronica (Kramer) Welly in Tiffin.
Bernard is survived by many cousins, as well as many feline friends, whom he considered his children.
He was a 1945 graduate of Calvert High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 from Heidelberg College, majoring in biology.
He received a degree of Doctor of Laws from Tiffin University December 9, 2003, in recognition of his long service and generosity to Tiffin University, which began when he volunteered at the encouragement of his friend, Pat Guitteau, in the Pheiffer Library during the 1970’s and 1980’s. He had a major impact on Tiffin University students through his generosity and enjoyed attending their special events throughout the years.
From 1950 to 1952 he served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. While stationed in Korea, he received the Korean Service Medal, three bronze campaign stars, the Army Occupation Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Upon returning from Korea, he began his employment at General Electric in Tiffin, where he had more than 30 years of service as quality auditor when he retired in 1985.
Bernard had a deep interest and appreciation for all things natural, a lover of nature; he cared for many cats and grew herbs and wild flowers. He was an accomplished musician and played both the organ and the piano.
He was a loyal lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tiffin and was deeply interested in the advancement of Catholic education in Tiffin. He was a member of the Founder’s Club of Tiffin University and the American Legion.
Visitation with the family will be 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at Traunero Funeral Home 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 9419) 447-3113. A Wake service will be at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Prayers will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 20 at the funeral home with the funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating. The rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to the Mass at the church.
Burial will follow immediately in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The United Veterans Council of Seneca County will perform military rites at the grave site.
Memorials may be made to Calvert Foundation, or the Seneca County Humane Society.