Gerald F. Welling served in the U.S. Army for 3 years and 5 months. Gerald served during the years of World War II.
Conservation Officer Gerald Welling was killed when he was intentionally struck by bear poachers while patrolling a local dump near Iron Mountain. He was attempting to stop the two suspected poachers who were spotlighting bears at night. The poachers were in a pickup truck with a hydraulic plow on the front. As Officer Welling approached them on foot, signaling them to stop, the truck suddenly accelerated, striking him and dragging him approximately 100 feet. The man driving the vehicle was charged with first-degree murder but convicted of negligent homicide. He served only 9-1/2 months in prison before being released. Officer Welling was a WWII veteran and had served with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for 24 years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Conservation Officer Welling gave the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 24 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lansing community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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