Willy Herald Welcker

Willy Herald Welcker of Salinas, CA, passed away on March 13, 2025 at the age of 101. He was born on 10/13/1923 in Semarang, Indonesia, and grew up in Djokjakarta, Indonesia. He received an excellent upbringing and education, thanks to his parents Ernst Louis Welcker and Marie Kops.

Willy was 18 years old when he was drafted for the WWII war effort. He served honorably, fighting for the Dutch military, or KNIL. Early on, Willy was captured as a prisoner of war by the Japanese, and endured four years of extreme hardship and harsh treatment. He was one of the prisoners indentured to repair the bridge over the River Kwai, and was proud of the subtle ways he and his fellow soldiers sabotaged enemy war efforts.

After the war, Willy resumed civilian life, and in 1948, married Mary Thomson, who had a son from a previous marriage. Together, they created a happy home in Soengei Gerong, Sumatra. To the family, they added two more sons and a daughter, and in 1956, Willy immigrated with his family (wife and four children, with one on the way) to America, where he started his life anew. He settled the family in San Francisco, and purchased a modest home in the Excelsior District. An opportunity arose at United Air Lines, and Dad accepted work there, beginning his 25+ career with UAL.

Willy and Mary hosted countless parties and feasts in their San Francisco home, and welcomed, as well as sponsored, family members who were immigrating to the United States. Our block on Madrid Street slowly became a mini-Indo Town, as aunts, uncles and friends from Indonesia found housing nearby.

In 1964, Dad moved the family once again to the suburbs, to a newly-built home in South San Francisco. Willy earned a degree in Math, in order to advance his professional career as engineer at United Air Lines. After he retired in 1989, he was recruited to work on an engineering team for Lockheed, which had an aerospace contract with NASA. Based in Long Beach, Dad and Mom had to temporarily move to Downey, and enjoyed connecting with family and friends in southern California during this period.

In 2000, Willy relocated to Salinas, California, to a beautiful new home in a new neighborhood. He and Mom really enjoyed the warmer climate. After Mary passed in 2006, Willy took comfort in visiting with his kids, and made numerous trips to The Netherlands, where he rekindled a loving relationship with an old friend, Erna Meeng. These two “oudjes” often travelled together, and, even when they were apart, managed to talk with each other every day, until Erna’s passing in 2020.

Although health issues plagued Willy in his final years, he always had a youthful outlook and a smile on his face. He worked hard to maintain his health and mobility, but at age 101, his heart finally said, enough. He took his last breath in the wee hours of March 13, 2025.

Willy was preceded in death by both parents and all of his siblings; his wife Mary Thomson; his special friend, Erna Meeng; son, Ronald Gebhardt; and grandson Ronny Gebhardt. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey Welcker, Tony Welcker, Cyn Van Fleet, Frank Welcker and Brenda Welcker; grandchildren Jason Welcker, Bianka Faylor, Brendon Welcker, Adrienne Welcker, Christy Sagarminaga, Annica Welcker, Michelle Welcker; great-grandchildren Brandi Medina, Grace Gebhardt, Tori Magana, Sabrina Magana, Kyra Welcker, Macy Faylor, Charli Faylor, Nola Sagarminaga, Roman Sagarminaga; great-great-grandchildren Rylee, Hannah, Carlos, and Daniel.

Willy was surrounded by the love of family as he made his final journey. He leaves a legacy of strength, courage and wisdom, which he exhibited throughout his life. Please honor Willy’s memory by embracing his example of caring for family, friends, and community. And be sure to smile, in remembrance.