Donald Wellander

Donald Robert Wellander was born on September 20,1965 in Louisville, Kentucky, and passed away on March 25,2014, in Billings, Montana. He was raised in Chicago, Illinois, by Robert and Carla Wellander. In Don's youth he was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint faith where he participated in many activities including Scouting. He went to Wheaton Warrenville High School where he was active in wrestling and enjoyed competing in many tournaments. He played football and received a scholarship for college at BYU where he briefly attended. Afterwards he decided to check out the Board of Trades, running stocks and even briefly attended Cosmetology College. Donald moved to California in 1989, where in 1990 he met his future wife, Jacqlyn Wellander and on November 17,1990 they were married in La Jolla, California, in a little wedding chapel on top of a hill that overlooked the ocean. Their son, Ryan, was born November 30, 1990. Don was a big fan of the Chicago bears. He loved the ocean as well as the outdoors and he spent many hours walking on the beach; he and Jacqlyn watched many sunrises and sunsets together. He would also walk down by the river, looking for unique rocks and minerals and fossils. He loved animals; especially dogs. He always loved helping people and told everyone to stay positive. He liked working with tools and was a carpenter for over 25 years. He loved working with small objects and creating new ideas. He was also a big fan of Star Wars and Indiana Jones. After living in Gilroy, San Jose and Merced, CA, where he worked as a farm hand with grapes and almond trees, he decided to move to Billings for Ryan's graduation 3 years ago. After his wife and son encouraged him to find different work other than carpentry, especially with the winters here in Montana, he decided to get a job at Jake's Steak House which he was proud of and worked at for the last 7-8 months. He was also able to get his first apartment. Since he has been in Billings he developed many friendships, including finding a church home at Gospel Baptist Church where he was loved and welcomed. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carla Daines Wellander and survived by wife Jacqlyn D. Wellander and son, Ryan Reece Kim Wellander. He is also survived by his father, Robert Wellander and his sister, Carol Wellander, as well as many family and friends. Service: Memorial Services were held at Gospel Baptist Church, Billings MT on Wednesday April 2nd. Conducted by Pastor Jeff Benton.