Wilbert Eugene Wellhausen

Dateline: Alton Wilbert Eugene Wellhausen, 75, died at 8:40 a.m. Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Stearns Nursing & Rehab. in Granite City. Born March 25, 1943 in Carrollton, IL, he was the son of Keith Crossland and Alma Bernice (Garrison) Wellhausen. Mr. Wellhausen graduated from Greenfield High School in 1961. He played football, basketball, track and baseball in high school where he set several school records in track and football. He was also voted most athletic by his senior class and participated in several extra-curricular activities. He attended college at Western University in Macomb, IL and then transferred to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. Willie played football as a fullback at both universities. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971 then later graduating with a Masters degree in education. He was drafted as a fullback to the Detroit Lions, however he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard so never got to live his lifelong dream. He taught Industrial Arts, Health, Physical Education and coached varsity football, track, baseball, wrestling and basketball during his teaching career. He taught and coached for 12 years in Garrett, IN where he was part of a coaching staff that conquered his biggest achievement with a 1974 State Championship. He also coached the semi-pro football team, Central Illinois Cougars in Carlinville, IL. Willie’s kids recall him speaking to Bobby Knight from Indiana University, setting up college visits/scholarships for his players. Willie coached professional players, Andre Iguodala (Golden State Warriors) and Delino DeShields (St. Louis Cardinals). and On March 22, 2014 he married the former Marilyn M. Jouett in Clinton, IN. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Tammy (Sean) Justice of Remington, IN, and Wendy (Shaun) Farley of Clinton, IN, one son, Todd (Kristy) Wellhausen of Virden, IL, eight grandchildren, Ayden, Blake, Dalton, Jacob, Joshua, Sarah, Macy and Cody, three great grandchildren, Braylie, Noah and Judah. One sister, Rosemary (Fred) Scheldt of Carlinville, and nieces and nephews, Ryan Cole, Adam Scheldt, Carissa Brumback, Benjamin Scheldt, and Ethan Scheldt. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 20, 2018. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Greenfield, IL. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Garrett Indiana High School Football Program. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Wilbert Eugene Wellhausen

March 25, 1943 - December 16, 2018