Donald J. Weltz, 77, of Potter, died at his home in Potter on Saturday, April 30, 2011.  Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Cantrell Funeral Home in Kimball with Pastor Mel Daves officiating.  Inurnment will be held in the Potter cemetery with military graveside honors.  Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. to sign the register book.  Memorials have been established to the family.  The services have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Donald James Weltz was born on January 31, 1934, the son of Fred and Mildred Annette and adopted one year later by James and Flossie Weltz.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 9, 1955 and honorably served his country during the Korean War.  He was discharged on December 14, 1956. He was married to Sandra Staab in Cheyenne, Wyoming on December 18, 1978. Don was a truck driver for 52 years and throughout his career he logged millions of miles while meeting and making friends along the way.  He loved spending time with his family and making them laugh and smile, and he was always proud to acknowledge his admiration of his family.  Don enjoyed camping, fishing and watching westerns that he “hadn’t seen before”.  He also liked playing cribbage and telling stories.

Survivors include his wife Sandy, of 31 years; daughter Shannon (Roger) Monheiser of Potter, NE., Diana (Randy) Frost of Unionville, MO;  son John (Melonie) Weltz of Potter, NE., Jim (Jane) Weltz of Omaha, NE., Tim (Sandy) Bates of Columbus, OH., Steve Bates and his late wife Marla of Dayton, OH; grandchildren Jacob (Valarie) Weltz, Josh (Jessica) Weltz, Mandy Frost and special friend Dan Minear, Kaitlynn Weltz, Dawsen Monheiser, Braxton and Ryker Bates; sister Elma Wymore of Cedar Falls, IA; brother Ray (Carol) Annette of Cottage Grove, OR; and numerous extended family and many friends.