Steven Welken

Steven Denver Welken, 39, Valley City, ND passed away August 24, 2013 from injuries sustained in an auto accident near his home. Steve was born February 13, 1974 in Fargo to Larry and Deloris (Helland) Welken. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Valley City, ND. Steve graduated from Valley City High School and attended Valley City State University earning a degree in Business Administration with a minor in accounting. He worked briefly for Great Plains Software in Fargo, ND before joining Grotberg Electric Inc. in Valley City in 1996. He was named President of Grotberg Electric, Inc. in 2010. Grotberg Electric was a second family for Steve. He was a devoted leader who always put others first. He could be counted on for integrity, honesty and compassion. Steve was proud to work as part of the Grotberg team. Steve loved all sports and had a special passion for playing softball. Steve had strong ties to his alma mater Valley City State University where he taught accounting classes and spent countless hours promoting and volunteering. Steve believed in giving back to his community. He served on the VCSU Foundation Board, V-500 Club, Barnes County Development Board, Valley City Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club. Steve married the love of his life, Erin Hultman, September 1, 2007 in Center City, MN. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Reanna age 4 and Kaelyn age 2. Steve’s greatest personal accomplishments were marrying Erin and bringing their daughters into this world. Steve believed family came first in life. This was evident in the love and devotion he showed his wife and daughters every day. He will be deeply missed. He is also survived by his parents, Larry and Deloris Welken, Valley City, ND; sister, Lisa (Bruce) Amundson, Abercrombie, ND; brother Brian (Georgia) Welken, Sanborn, ND; grandfather Denver Helland, Valley City; aunts Marlene (Tom) Sagaser, Jamestown, ND; Donna (Roger) Hentges, West Fargo, ND; uncles Dennis (Paula) Helland, Kathryn, ND; James (Anita) Welken, Wheatland, WY; Ivan Welken, Valley City, ND; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alan and Verna Hultman, Center City, MN; sisters-in law, Emily (Don) Honerbrink, Fargo, ND and Amber Hultman, Lindstrom, MN; brother-in-law Shane Hultman, Center City, MN; nieces Abbee Welken, Lexi Welken, Tegan Amundson, and Halle Welken; nephews Gavin Welken and Bryson Honerbrink. He was preceded in death by grandparents Mabel Helland and Leonard and Clara Welken, all Valley City, ND. The funeral service for Steven Welken, 39, Valley City, ND, will be 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, Valley City State University Campus. Interment will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, southwest of Valley City, at a later date. Visitation will be held at the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse on Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. A prayer service will be held there beginning at 7:00. Visitation will continue an hour prior to the service on Wednesday morning. Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with handing arrangements. Please share your thoughts or special stories in Steve’s online guestbook at www.oliver-nathanchapel.com

Steven Welken

February 13, 1974 - August 24, 2013