Daniel John Welling

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel John Welling on March 17, 2023, due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Dan was born May 1, 1937, in Kansas City, Missouri to Fred and Florence (Hake) Welling who preceded him in his death. Dan grew up in Waldo, attending St. Elizabeth grade school, Hogan High School, and Rockhurst College. Dan was drawn to math and science in the excitement of the Sputnik era and earned his Ph.D. in physics at St. Louis University. He worked at McDonald Douglas Aircraft and taught physics at the University of Illinois, Carbondale. His scientific interests in theoretical particle physics drew him to Argonne National Laboratories outside Chicago, where he did his post-doctoral fellowship, and then to a faculty position at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee where he taught classic and modern physics. His brother, Larry Welling lured him back to Kansas City to join his research program at the University of Kansas Medical School where Dan would become a professor. Dan’s mathematical modeling contributed to the groundbreaking discoveries of the Welling Laboratory, which helped illuminate how the kidney controls water balance. He was a bonvivant as well, and his interests in art, culture, wine, and food became more than a hobby. He became a partner in business with his wife, Charlene, operating The Classic Cup in Westport and the Plaza, often leading impromptu wine and cheese marketing campaigns. In his retirement from the University of Kansas and the Classic Cup, Dan owned an antique store, and his love for interior design evolved into a small home renovating operation. He enjoyed engaging his friends with his unique character, shenanigans and joie de vie. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He leaves his ex-wife, Charlene (Mathews) Welling; son Paul Welling, wife Teresa (Schmiedeler), and granddaughter, Margaret of Baltimore; daughter Christina Saunders and husband Richard; daughter, Susan Welling and grandson, Eli McManamon; younger brother Larry and wife, Louise, many nephews, nieces, grandnieces, and many food and wine loving friends. A memorial to celebrate Dan’s life will be held in the near future.

Daniel John Welling

May 1, 1937 - March 17, 2023