James Wellenstein

A Liturgy of the Word Service for James J. Wellenstein, 87, of Dickinson will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at Stevenson Funeral Home with Deacon Kris Ringwall celebrating.  Military Rites will be presented by the Dickinson American Legion Post #3 Honor Guard.  Burial will take place in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.


Visitation for Jim will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 7 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary service being held at 6:00 p.m.


Jim passed away Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at Sanford Health in Bismarck.


James John Wellenstein was born to Nick and Merva Wellenstein on July 12, 1930 in Camp Crook, SD. He was raised and educated in Plevna, MT and graduated from Plevna High School. After high school, he attended Miles City Community College.  Jim served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952.


Jim moved to Glasgow, MT where he met his wife Harriet Samuelson. The couple was united in marriage on July 7, 1956.  Jim and Harriet settled in Glasgow, MT to raise their three children: Doug, Joan and Janet. In 1971, Jim was transferred with MDU to the Dickinson office. The couple has made Dickinson their home ever since. Jim spent 40 plus years with MDU where he was a very successful salesman and often received top honors. Jim and Harriett had a loving relationship where they enjoyed dancing and many other social events. The family has many special memories of Jim and Harriett dancing the Jitterbug in the living room.


Jim was a loving father & grandfather who dedicated a lot of his time to his family. Many favorite memories for the family were spending time at their lake home water skiing and tubing. He enjoyed spending time on the golf course where he spent a lot of time with his son, Doug.  After retirement, a portion of his winters were spent in Arizona and a lot of the other time he was busy attending his grandchildren’s basketball games, golf tournaments or any activity they were involved in. He loved to be included in the busy lives of his family by attending trips to Minneapolis to watch the twins, trips to Chico Hot Springs and playing outside with the great grandkids. He most recently enjoyed his time at the West River Community Center, where he was seen daily. He appreciated the staff and friends he made there.


His loving family includes a brother, Dick (Delores) Wellenstein of Overland Park, KS; sister, Patsy Durham of Glendive, MT; son, Doug (Olivia) Wellenstein of Dickinson, ND;  daughters, Joan Bares of San Antonio, TX, and Janet Wellenstein of Bismarck, ND; grandchildren Mandie Erickson and Jenna Wellenstein both of Dickinson, ND, Whitney Wellenstein of Oakland, CA, Nathan Bares of San Antonio, TX, Julie Bares of Billings, MT, Erik Sjursen of Dickinson, ND and Sarah Sjursen of Bismarck, ND; great grandchildren, Addison and Brody Erickson, Kashton Washington, and Nadia Sjursen, all of Dickinson, ND, Alicia and Illiana Bares and Zhario Cooper all of Billings, MT; and many nieces and nephews.


He is preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Merva; wife, Harriet Wellenstein; and brothers, Gene Wellenstein and Bobby Wellenstein.




Wellenstein James


Burial Date: May 8, 2018
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Liturgy of the Word Service:  10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2018, Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND
Rosary Service:  6:00 p.m., Monday, May 7, 2018, Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND