Henry (Hank) Welle Jr.
Henry (Hank) Welle, Jr., a loving husband, devoted father and friend to all, passed away on February 8, 2026 in Tucson, AZ from Parkinson’s Disease. Throughout his life Hank carried a smile on his face, a song in his heart, and a willingness to always see the best in everyone he met. Hank was born on Dec. 31, 1944, to Erma and Henry Welle in Melrose, MN. He spent his early life in a large and loving German farm family and only spoke German until his first grade in a 1-room school house.
A lifelong learner, Henry devoted his life to education. He attended St. John’s Prep School, Sauk Centre HS, St. Cloud University, and earned his Master’s degree in Spanish at St. Mary’s University. He began teaching at Fridley-Grace High School, teaching both Spanish and German for six years. He spent one summer in Chile on a SPAN program and another summer of graduate work in Mexico. Hank also loved music, so it was natural while in Mexico he accepted an offer to be the lead singer in a Mariachi group, serenading at a myriad of Mexican celebrations.
He married his best friend, Ann (Bunny) Kraning, in 1970 and became father to Benjamin in 1976. They made their home in Winona, but he had a fulfilling career at St. Charles High School. He began as a Spanish teacher, later becoming a school counselor from 1974-1982, then a high school principal until his retirement in 2008. Many SCHS graduates will joyfully remember the numerous trips to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Spain that the Welles chaperoned. His kind heart, thoughtfully strong leadership, and incredible zest for life will be cherished in the memories of all who knew him. It is people like Hank who make the world a better place.
Hank is survived by his wife Bunny, son Benjamin, brother David, and sisters Alice Peters and Joanne Mittendorf. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Alvin, James, Vernon, and Chuckie, and his sisters Carol Pelkey and Marlene Leiser.
Condolences may be sent to Ann Welle, 966 Gilmore Ave. Winona, MN 55987 or bunnywelle@hbci.com. Donations may be made to the St. Charles Academic Foundation or The Parkinson’s Foundation.
Celebrations of life will be held later in the summer in Winona at the First Congregational Church on September 20th at 10:00 am and in St. Charles in August, date and time tbd.
