Weldon Stanley Bayerkohler (Whiz) was born at home in Okabena, MN on October 24, 1931 to Irvin and Anna (Lueck) Bayerkohler. Weldon passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 25, 2020 at Adrian Country Living Cottages, Adrian, MN. Weldon went to school in Okabena, graduating in 1949. He attended Worthington Jr. College, graduating with a pre-engineering degree in 1951.
At 12 years old, Weldon started working for his dad, pumping gas when all the older men were off to WWII. While in college, Weldon met Elaine Carlson. They were married on August 12, 1951 and moved to Boyd, MN where he worked at his dad's business. In 1953, they moved to Worthington, MN where he worked at the Ford garage and then Safety Service Supply. In 1966, Weldon started working at A.F. Scheppmann & Son Mfg. The family moved to Okabena in 1967. While working for Scheppmann, he and Elaine started Bayerkohler Orchards and farmed. Weldon ended his career as an asbestos inspector for ATC, working all around the country, quite often accompanied by Elaine. Weldon often quipped that he got to see the country on someone else’s dime.
Weldon and Elaine were blessed with 5 children Vickie, Dale, Stanley, Peggy, and Glenn. Weldon enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, selling vegetables and apples, and having a beer with friends.
Some of Weldon's favorite stories were about his Okabena 6 man football team winning the championship 3 years in a row, and how he and a few other local guys ‘Saved’ the bell that is now displayed in the Okabena park (the statute of limitations has run out, so it’s safe to tell now, ha!).
Weldon was preceded in death by his parents Irvin and Ann, his wife Elaine (2017), his son Glenn (2009), his brother Galen, and his brothers-in-law Dean, Dennis, Norman, Wayne, and Howard. He is survived by his children Vickie (James) Milbrath, Dale (Carol) Bayerkohler, Stanley (Tamara Shelton) Bayerkohler and Peggy (Reed) Scheppmann; 9 grandchildren Bradley, Christy, Matthew, April, Brian, Kyle, Desiree, Lindsey, and Tyler; 11 great-grandchildren Carter, Eleanor, Ryker, Jaxson, Oliver, Nico, Lola, Jack, Harper, Liam, and Ava; sister Arlene Kise, brother Darwin (Lucy) Bayerkohler, sisters-in-law Avis Swan, Rosann Boots, Sandi Carlson and Marge Carlson.
Benson Funeral Home, Worthington is in charge of the arrangements. Internment is at St. Paul (Rost) Cemetery, Lakefield. Due to Covid-19 concerns, there will be a private burial ceremony this fall with a Celebration of Life event sometime next summer when, hopefully, we can all get together safely.
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