Donald H. Welk

Donald H. Welk, 85, passed away at his West Lampeter Township residence on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Don shared 65 years of marriage with his wife Joyce (Evans) Welk. They previously lived on the Welk family Century Farm, “Stonehurst Farm,” on Lime Valley Road, Strasburg Township.

He was born in Strasburg, son of the late H. LeRoy and Ruth (Denlinger) Welk. Don graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Class of 1958. He was a member of the Garden Spot FFA and served as vice president. He enjoyed showing animals, especially swine animals. He also was a member of the Lancaster 4-H Club, and in his Senior Year, he competed in a Swine Competition at the National Level and placed 1st in the Nation.

Don’s working career spanned from 5 years as office manager at Martin’s Dairy, then devoted his career to Victor F. Weaver as VP of Sales and Marketing where he retired. Recruited out of retirement, he then served as Vice President at Round Hill for a few years before retiring again. Tired of working for others, he created Stonehurst Farm Dairy Sales Inc. to explore his true passion for buying and selling cattle. During his 35 years in the cattle industry, he became a partner in New Holland Sales Stables. Don also partnered with the Cattle Exchange in Delhi, New York. He was considered to be “The Best Ringman in the U.S.” Don was buying and selling to the day he passed.

Don worshipped at First Presbyterian Strasburg of Strasburg his entire life, officially for 55 years as a member. He served as an Elder and Trustee. He was also a longtime active member of Strasburg Lions Club, having served as President. Other memberships included Lodge No. 43 F&AM.

In addition to Joyce, Don’s family includes their sons Donald H. Welk, Jr, husband of Emily (Weaver) of Strasburg, and Daniel E. Welk, husband of Sarah (Huber) of Hilton Head, SC; three grandchildren, Justin Welk, husband of Abigail (Rineer), Benjamin Welk, and Leah Welk; three great grandchildren, Jedidiah Welk, Eliana Welk, and Isaac Welk; and Don’s siblings, Norma Weaver, Quarryville, Robert Welk, husband of June, Delaware, Paul Welk, husband of Beverly, Peach Bottom, Linda Lawrence, Strasburg, John Welk, Mount Nebo, and Harold Welk, husband of Karen, Strasburg, and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ira Welk.

A viewing will take place from 5 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg. The funeral and Interment in Strasburg Mennonite will be private.

Please omit flowers and kindly consider a contribution in Don’s memory to First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, write “Memorial Fund” in the memo, 101 S. Decatur St, Strasburg, PA 17579 or to Strasburg Lions Club, P.O. Box 281, Strasburg, PA 17579.