William E. “Bill” Wellman age 84, of Liberty, IL died on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in Good Samaritan Home, Quincy.  Bill was born in Quincy on November 14, 1938, a son of Raymond and Clara (Schreacke) Wellman.

He married Mary Lou Mock on January 5, 1963, and she preceded him in death on January 21, 2014.

Bill’s career began at Illinois Manufacturing Co. He went on to work for Richmiller Construction as a bulldozer operator. Bill was a talented carpenter, having built and renovated homes for his family.  He also was a longtime hog and grain farmer.

He had the gift of finding water underground, known as well witching and he was consistently accurate with this skill.

Bill served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and was a member of the Men’s Society.  Bill was a proud member of the 4H State Championship Team for fast pitch softball.

He and Mary Lou took many trips to Branson, MO, and they also made a trip to New Zealand to visit their son Gary who was serving in the military.  He loved going to the parish picnics and fairs during the summer and taking his family on a yearly trip to the St. Louis Zoo.

Bill and Mary could cut a rug on the dance floor at wedding receptions and parties. Where you saw one, you would see the other, as they were always together.

Survivors include his children, Robert (Angie) Wellman of Quincy; Cheryl (Scott) Atwood of Van Horne, IA; Mike (Lesia) Wellman of Quincy; Gary (Kristi) Wellman of Tipp City, OH; Peggy (Cliff) DeVerger of Quincy.

15 grandchildren, Shelby Wellman, Colby Wellman, Amanda (Nathan) Griffith, Brian (Elisa) Atwood, Russell Atwood, Caitlin Atwood, Amber (Cody) Riley , Brooke (Nick) Stratton, Cole Wellman, Kaela Wellman, Emily (Jake) Birmingham, Caleb (Meghan) Wellman, Luke (Devonae)Wellman, Brad (Tori) Wellman and Jace (Kaniah) DeVerger.

Eight great-grandchildren, Leo and Amelia Griffith; Leia, Raylan, Nora and Lincoln Riley; Sage Stratton and David Birmingham.

Siblings, Norma Jean Obert, Kenny Wellman, Ronnie (Susie) Wellman; Mary Ann (David) Hildebrand. In laws Joyce Wellman, Carol Mock, Ronnie (Jeanette)Mock and Larry Mock. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son Kent Wellman, and siblings  Sis (Virg) Obert, Edwin (Mary Ann) Wellman and Eugene Wellman and in laws Jerry Mock, Ed Obert, Mary Louise Wellman.

The family would like to also extend a thank you to the nurses at Good Samaritan and to all who helped with the care of Bill these last few years.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Interment will be in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation is Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Church.

Memorials are suggested to  St. Anthony Church Building and Grounds Fund.