Mass of Christian Burial for Bruce Welvaert, 64, of Ghent will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019, at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a Parish Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at the church in Ghent. Visitation will continue on Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at St. Eloi Catholic Cemetery in Ghent.
Bruce Allen Welvaert was born on January 26, 1955, in Marshall, MN, to Richard and Mary (Claeys) Welvaert. He grew up on the family farm south of Ghent and graduated from Lynd High School in 1973. On September 17, 1977, he was united in marriage to Patricia “Patti” Thooft at St. Eloi Catholic Church. The couple farmed and raised their family on the Welvaert home farm where Bruce grew up. Bruce loved farming. He enjoyed John Deere Tractors and restored several classics including his father’s 730. He enjoyed threshing shows, tractor runs, wild game feeds, auctions, ice fishing and Rolle Bolle. He was very passionate about his family. He looked forward to his weekly date night watching Gold Rush with Patti. He enjoyed following his children’s activities and grandson Kaleb’s hockey and baseball games. Bruce will always be remembered for his humor and contagious laugh.
Bruce died on Friday, October 11, 2019, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He is survived by wife, Patti, of Ghent; children Chauncey (and Daniele) Welvaert, Courtney (and Devin) Pohlen, Caysi (and Chris Blanchette), Caytlin (and Mike Miller), and Chelbi (and Matt) West; grandchildren Kaleb and Axel Welvaert, Quinn, Kelleigh and Cael Pohlen, Addelyn Blanchette, Kai Miller and Boston West; siblings, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dean, in-laws, and brother-in-law Don Thooft.
