Wells, Roy Fred 1909-2000

WELLS, RALSTON, LUNDGREN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/18/2017 at 16:59:56

LE MARS, Iowa - Roy F. Wells, 90, of Le Mars, former owner of Wells Dairy Inc., died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000, of pneumonia at his home following a brief illness.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars, with the Rev. Tim Olsen officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery, Le Mars. Visitation with family present will be after 2 p.m. Tuesday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars.

Roy Fred Wells was born Oct. 10, 1909, at Wellsburg, S.D., the son of Fred H. Jr. and Miriam (Ralston) Wells. He earned his education at Le Mars Community Schools. He married Eunice C. "Kitty" Lundgren Nov. 15, 1931, in Le Mars. He resided in Le Mars from 1911 to 1952. He lived in Sioux City from 1952 to 1968, and returned to Le Mars in 1969.

Mr. Wells' father started Wells Dairy Inc. in 1913. Roy was active in the family business for more than 63 years. He started working at the age of 7, helping bottle milk in their home. At age 11, he drove a delivery truck before and after school. At 14, he and his brother, Harold quit school to work in ice cream production, which began in 1926. Several years later, the production expanded to Sioux City as Blue Bunny Ice Cream.

He was in charge of the dairy during the 1930s and 1940s, managing all aspects of the industry. He and his brother, Harold continued to work in the plant, while brothers Harry "Mike" and Fay served in the military during World War II. The dairy's continuous growth expanded into a company, followed by a corporation in 1977. Mr. Wells served as executive officer in one capacity or another throughout his lifetime, including vice president and secretary-treasurer.

He served as president three terms for the Iowa Ice Cream Manufacturers' Association; 10 years as treasurer of the National Independent Dairy Association; and as a state and national representative in Des Moines and Washington, D.C., for the dairy industry. He acted as mediator between Wells Dairy labor and management. He retired full-time in 1984, but continued to work part-time for several more years.

He was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge 428 of Le Mars, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 32 degree, S.J., U.S.A.; Abu Bekr Temple of Sioux City; and Presbyterian United Church of Christ in Le Mars. He was a past member of Giblem Lodge 332; A.F. and A.M. of Le Mars; Royal Order of Jesters of Sioux City; National Republican Congressional Committee; Republican Presidential Task Force and the Republican Inner Circle. His lifelong hobby was boating with family and friends.

Survivors include two daughters, Darleen E. Renken of Lake Madison, S.D., and Shirlee A. Wells of Le Mars; a son, Steven R. Wells of Pompano Beach, Fla.; a brother, Fay Wells and his wife, Betty of Le Mars; seven grandchildren, Dr. Jon Clemens, Joni Clemens, Cheri Rus, Julie Jacob, Tom Renken, David Renken and Dan Renken; 15 great-grandchildren; and six great-stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers, Harold and Harry "Mike" and a granddaughter, Christina Clemens.

Pallbearers will be Dan Renken, Dr. John Clemens, David Renken, Thomas Renken, Casey Renken, Nekoda Renken, Terry Jacob and B.J. Ricken.

Sioux City Journal
Monday, August 21, 2000
Sioux City, Iowa