David C. Welli

life story

A Sarcastic Gentle Soul

David (Dave) Christopher Welli, 53, of Lakeville, Minnesota passed away on November 3, 2021 in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born August 18, 1968 to Larry and Bobbie Welli in Rochester, Minnesota.

He is survived by his loving wife, Megan Brooks of Lakeville, MN; amazing daughter, Lara Stewart (Viedell) of Inver Grove Heights, MN; stepson RJ Phelps of Mound, MN; mother, Bobbie Babcock of Tulsa, OK; older brother, Robert Seacat (Renee) of Tulsa, OK; older sister, Leslie Welli Emmel (Vic) of Janesville, WI; five grandchildren (Aubrey, Kyia, Viedell Jr., Kamryn and Karter), the vast many in laws gained through his marriage, including James and Cheryl Snetsinger, Doug Brooks and Sandra Lauring, Leo Snetsinger and Jenn Smith, Mindy Richards, Donny (Lisa) Snetsinger, Andy (Sara) Brooks, Melanie Brooks and Chris Dinh and Richard Brooks and Jill Malepsy, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and the rest of his many admirers.

After graduating from Apple Valley High School in 1987, Dave went on to Winona State University and Northwest Technical College where he received his B.S. degree in Aviation Maintenance in 1994. After working at MSP airport for a commercial freight company as an airplane mechanic, at times feeling as if he shouldn’t be “testing” a plane beyond its limits, Dave decided to move forward with his dream of owning his own business. Dave began working at Domino’s Pizza and started to pursue the knowledge needed to be a franchisee. This included working with a local franchise and the corporation in Minnesota. In 2002, Dave met the rear-end of his wife, Megan while she was training to be a manager. Although Dave was always up for a new adventure, he would not allow it to come before his daughter, wife and stepson. In the end, owning a Domino’s was not in the cards for Dave. Instead, he moved forward with low-voltage work with his brother-in-law, Andy Brooks. As usual, Dave excelled at being the most knowledgeable and best installer he could be (and often loved telling stories). It was during this time that he took a leap and applied for BNSF Railway as a Locomotive Conductor in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dave began working for BNSF on January 21, 2008 and took the railway by storm. Interjecting his quick wit, sarcastic commentary, and enjoyment to stay safe with everyone around him. In 2012, Dave began training to be a Locomotive Engineer and graduated at the top of his class. While with BNSF Dave found many friends to commiserate with and just enjoy some burgers, beers and horrible jokes with after work. Dave brought a smile, belly laugh, overalls, pocket T, flip flops and crooked hat wherever he was.

In true, non-traditional fashion, A Celebration of Welli will be taking place at our favorite watering hole, Applebee’s in Apple Valley, Minnesota on December 21, 2021 from 10am – 2pm. I

memorial service

Celebration of Welli

December 21, 2021

Applebee's Grill + Bar 14678 Cedar Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

This is an Open House style celebration from 10am - 2pm.