Married to Arlene for 60 years, he is survived by his children Laurie Albrecht (spouse Andy and their kids Emma and Jacob) of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, Todd Welling (spouse Evelyn and their kids Michael and Katrina) of San Carlos, CA and Wendy Speet (spouse Phil and their son Phillip and his spouse Katie and their kids Addison, Ryann, Penelope, and August) of Holland and sister Arlene VandenBosch and sister in law Doris Welling (both of Holland) along with multiple nieces and nephews. Welcoming Earl to heaven are those loved ones who went before him, Arlene (wife), Brantly Speet (grandson), Hattie Albrecht (granddaughter), LaVerne (Pete) Welling (brother), and Marv VandenBosch (brother-in-law).
Earl, a graduate of Holland High School, served in the Army Reserve and then attended Davenport College of Business on the GI bill. Earl met Arlene in a typing class that Arlene was teaching. After college, Earl went into investment sales for a variety of companies.
In the late 1960s, Earl and Arlene bought the old Holland Furnace Picnic grounds on the north side of Holland and developed it into Leisure Acres, an event location for company picnics, wedding receptions, and class reunions for 40 years before they sub-divided the property in 1996.
Earl was a Life Member of the Holland Fish and Game Club and one of the original founders of Wildlife Unlimited now the Outdoor Discovery Center. In addition to fundraising for Wildlife Unlimited, he also worked with Hospice of Holland on their fundraising efforts.
Earl was involved with the Ottawa County Fair for 32 years and served in many different capacities. As part of the Fair, he brought top harness horse racing and the Wolverine Futurity to Holland for years.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland with Rev. Lynn Bruce officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice of Holland in lieu of flowers. www.langelandsterenberg.com.
