Michael Thomas Wellander, 80, of Adna, passed away Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at home surrounded by family. He was born in Seattle, Wash., June 25, 1937, to John and Ethel Wellander.
Mike attended Lincoln High School in Seattle, joining the United States Army Reserves. He later decided he wanted to be on active duty in the United States Army, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division. After his time in the Army, he went to work for Carnation and then Dairgold, producing cheese for 26 years. Mike met Phyllis Reich while working at the dairy plant in Seattle and they were married Dec. 27, 1963.
He loved spending time with his family. His children and grandchildren were his whole world. Mike enjoyed going to car shows and tinkering with cars, as well as riding motorcycles. He was active with the Mudslingers Motorcycle Club and Adna Lions Club. Mike was a constant supporter of Adna athletics and used any excuse to be at the school or on the road. He also enjoyed camping and his frequent coffee meetings with the guys.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Wellander; sisters, Judy (David) Knight, Kathy (Tim) Dorgan and Roby Barnette; children, Wendie (Casey) Dotson and David (Jodi) Wellander; grandchildren, Tarin (Tyson) Drevniak, Alexa Bond, Riley, Luke, Faith and Lilly Wellander; and great-grandchildren, Bennett and Berkeley Drevniak.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, at 1 p.m., at the Adna High School.
Donations may be made to the Adna Scholarship Foundation.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, WA 98531. 360-736-1388.
Condolences may be offered at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com
