BROUGHTON – Frank Antone Wellen, 80, of Broughton, IL, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, at his home.
Frank was born on December 13, 1944, near Piopolis, IL, to Henry & Mary (Wilhelm) Wellen. On October 25, 1969, he married Sharon (McPeak) Wellen, who survives. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Piopolis when he was young and later attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldorado, IL.
Frank was a U.S. Army veteran, having served as a Military Police Officer in Vietnam. He also worked as a mechanic for John Deere for many years, starting his career in Eldorado, then Norris City, IL, and lastly at Mark Hilyard John Deere in Carmi, IL. He was a hard worker with a strong work ethic, that he instilled upon his family. He enjoyed hunting deer & rabbits, fishing, and swimming in his pond with his kids. He also enjoyed collecting John Deere model tractors. He loved spending time with his grandkids. He also loved his late pet Dachshund Blackie, who was his pride & joy. Though Dad may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Frank is survived by his wife, Sharon Wellen of Broughton, IL; daughter, Shannon Beach of McLeansboro, IL; son, Chris Wellen of Galatia, IL; daughter, Ami (Jeramie) Scoville of West Frankfort, IL; 9 grandchildren: Nathan Wellen, Nic Wellen, Delaney French, Austin Wellen, Brylea Wellen, Baylea Wellen, Jordan Scoville, Jonah Scoville, and Jax Scoville; 5 great-grandchildren: Klay Wellen, Nora Wellen, Josie Shimkus, Jensen Shimkus, and Kaysen Shimkus; a brother, John J. (Minnie) Wellen of Belle Prairie City, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Mary Wellen; 4 brothers: Donnie Wellen, Joe Wellen, Matt Wellen, and Earl Wellen; 3 sisters: Dorothy Horn, Mary Elizabeth Rapp, and Eileen Wellen; his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Fred & Glady’s McPeak; and his pet Dachshund, Blackie.
Funeral services for Frank Antone Wellen will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Pastor Eric Ragan officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.
Interment will follow the funeral service at Wellen’s Family Resting Place in Broughton, IL, with graveside military honors by the McLeansboro American Legion Post #106 and the Decatur Military Funeral Honors Team.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Frank’s memory may be made payable to Shriners Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.
