Robert Wellman of Thief River Falls, MN age 73, died on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Burial will follow at St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Monday, June 10, 2013 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Tuesday. Robert Henry Wellman was born December 21, 1939 at home in Nelson Township, Watonwan County, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Ida (Elsing) Wellman. He attended school and grew to adulthood in rural St. James, Minnesota. On April 15, 1959 Bob was united in marriage to Carolyn Burghardt at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Ulm, MN. They lived on a farm near Godahl, MN, where they raised their family and he farmed and raised cattle and hogs with his brother, Ronald until his retirement in 1999. Upon his retirement they moved to Mankato. Bob worked for MTU Onsite Energy until his stroke in 2009. Bob and Carolyn moved to Thief River Falls in 2010 to be close to their family. A farmer at heart, Bob loved to take drives around the countryside to look at crops. Bob was very handy at welding, fixing anything on the farm, and carpentry - making Carolyn a custom set of kitchen cabinets. His favorite pastimes included fishing, cooking, reading, dancing and listening to classic country music, and watching TV, but his favorite pastime was spending time with family and his grandchildren. Robert's family will remember him as a hard-working and loving husband, father, and grandfather, who was an excellent role model for his children and grandchildren. Bob's children fondly remember that their father was always there for them. He taught them a strong work ethic, and family values. Bob was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn of Thief River Falls; son, Brian (Cheryl) Wellman of Goodridge, MN; grandchildren, Courtney Oliver of Augusta, ME, Chantel Wellman of Augusta, ME, Jessica (Casey) Jones of Goodridge, MN, Jenna (Allen) Aldinger of Thief River Falls, MN, Bobbi Jo Wellman of Goodridge, MN, Tanner Wellman of Goodridge, MN; great-grandchildren, Bella, Hank, Waylon, and Owen; brother, Ronald (Delores) Wellman of St. James, MN; nephews, Rick (Chris) Wellman of St. James, MN, Randy (Kathy) Wellman of Hanska, MN, and Roger (Kateri) Wellman of Fairmont, MN; and many cousins, relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death are his son, James Wellman and his parents.