Gregory D. Wells

ST. JOSEPH – Gregory D. "Greg" Wells, 57, of St. Joseph passed away at 7:41 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 11, 2017) at his home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with the Rev. Chuck Alt officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Greg was born on June 12, 1959, at Urbana, the son of Virgil and Alberta Smith Wells. He married Monica Worley on Jan. 28, 1978, at St. Joseph. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Justin (Annette) Wells of St. Joseph and Sean (Amy) Wells of Ogden; seven grandchildren, Alexis, Madison, Taylor, Tanner, Emma, Gregory and Jacob; his mother, Alberta Wells of St. Joseph; three brothers, Jerry Wells of St. Joseph, Wayne (Patty) Wells of St. Joseph and Rick (Dianna) Wells of Mansfield; and three sisters, Judy Hester of Windsor, Kathy (Harold) Bush of St. Joseph and Debbie Wells of St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil.

His heart was truly for his family and he loved his wife, two sons and his seven grandchildren with all he had. He also had a large number of nieces and nephews who at one time or another were all given a hard time by their Uncle Greg - and that's how he wants to be remembered. He couldn't always say it, but he loved you all very much.

Greg graduated in 1977 from St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

He was an outstanding basketball, football and track athlete and remained friends with many of his classmates his whole life.

Greg worked very hard for his family his entire life, starting at the age of 18 when he learned to drive a semi. He drove for Southland Corporation for 13 years and then for Super Value for six years. When Southland closed and Super Value did away with the fleet, he decided it was time to get off the road. He worked for Kraft/Heinz Foods in Champaign for over 18 years as a line tech. He didn't enjoy the night shift; however, he truly enjoyed working on the machines and he made some very kind and loyal friends. He retired from Kraft in December 2016.

Greg was a mechanic his whole life - a trade he learned from his father. He worked on many cars for family members and friends, and he had a blast putting together stock cars years ago that were driven by himself, his brothers and a few other friends and family.

He enjoyed traveling when he had the chance, movies, researching the purchase of any type of equipment or cars (he has owned 35).

Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially visiting with his mother the past year. He knew you all loved him and ... he loved you all right back.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.