Weldon Dean Gourd
July 18, 2013
Weldon Dean Gourd, 82, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away at home on Thursday, July 18, 2013.
Weldon was born on May 17, 1931, to Clarence Byron and Catherine in Grimes, Iowa. Weldon was born the second-youngest of eight boys. The family moved to rural Arkansas during the Depression. It was a place he still called home even when the family returned to Iowa. Weldon graduated from East High School in 1949, and lived as a life-long true Eastsider.
Weldon worked as a Carman Inspector for the Rock Island Railroad until its end and then retired from the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Weldon was very proud of the work he did for the Railroad. He was passionate about the Railroad Unions and held several positions within the Union during his tenure.
Weldon was a musician. He was open to all music. His favorite was country western with a twist of bluegrass. Weldon was best known for his skillful fiddle playing. An accomplished and professional musician, he won Grand Champion five times at the Iowa State Fair. Weldon also emceed music at the Iowa State Fair for many years. Weldon was a member of the Professional Musicians and Entertainers Club of Iowa, and a member of the Fiddler’s Club. Weldon enjoyed playing for the dances every Wednesday night at the American Legion hall on the east side of Des Moines. He was a mentor to several young fiddle players to keep the art alive.
Weldon and his brother Gene traveled throughout Iowa, spreading their music to thousands of people. Weldon and Gene were showcased at the United States Capital in Washington D.C. for the Independence Day Bicentennial in 1976. They even traveled overseas to Great Britain to bring their style of music to England.
Weldon enjoyed repairing and restoring fiddles for himself and others. He was a humanitarian and a contributor to many causes. Weldon was a member of many charity groups, was involved with the Masons, and was passionate about spreading music and the arts to children.
Weldon was a kind and sharing person with a quick wit. Weldon will be missed by his family and friends.
Weldon is survived by three children, son Gregory Dean Gourd (Grimilda), daughter Kristi Jean White (Monty), and daughter Allison Jo Welty (Jim), as well as his brothers Gene (Louise) and Chuck, all of Des Moines, and 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family will receive family and friends on Monday July 22, 2013, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 23, also at Hamilton’s Funeral Home.
A private burial service for the family will be held at a later time at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Friends of Iowa Public Television.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Sheri Lyn
07/23/2013
Wanted the family of Weldon to know how much of an inspiration he was to me during my growing up in the PMECI. My mother Betty Scovel and I loved Weldon and Gene very much. I will truly miss Weldon and know that when I get to Heaven to see my Jesus, I will hear that beautiful fiddle once again.and see Weldon's big big smile.
Carolyn Schaffer Sapp
07/22/2013
Just want you to know we (Dennis and I) are praying for you all. We are so glad we got to visit with Weldon lastChristmas time. His music was such a joy to all of us. Gods blessing to the family. Your cousin.
Dixie (Rooker) Schumacher
07/22/2013
I'll never forget Weldon's friendly face and willingness to help anyone sound better with his fiddle or his harmony! We had lots of fun singing together on the chorus! Not to mention the lovable, generous man he was! There is a special spot in my heart for Weldon and it's feeling void tonight! Beautiful memories will fill it up! What an awesome and talented musician and man!!!!! Love you Weldon! We'll meet again someday!
Vern & Cindy Sample
07/22/2013
We will miss your fiddling and you at the State Fair, of course.
You have left a wonderful legacy.
Steve and Jackie Allen( jack Gourd's daughter(
07/22/2013
We so enjoyed listening to Weldon and Gene play @ the Gourd reunion's.favorite memory of Gene, Weldon and Kristi Vetter playing and singing"could I have this dance". Such a beautiful harmony and song. Our thoughts and prayer's are with the family now and the upcoming months.
Carol maranville wood
07/21/2013
Weldon was a true friend, and will be greatly missed by many ,To the family ' so sorry for your loss .Truly injoyed his music we shared at christmas time at liveing History Farms togeather ' for five years , what a wonderful memory ,RIP Dear friend . . our love goes with you . jason and carol ,.
shirley miller
07/21/2013
weldon will be missed by a huge number of people he was a very kind person who i have known for many years i danced to his band when he played at moonlight hill and at the fair for many years he will once again be with charlene
Nicole Cooney (Neva Gourd Nelsen's granddaughter)
07/21/2013
We all were so sorry to hear of Weldon's passing. We so enjoyed listening to his music at the Gourd reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Michelle, Daniel, Rachel, Rebekah & Sarah Bell
07/21/2013
I loved the smile and sparkle in Weldon's eyes every time I played his "Living History Waltz", for him, at fiddle club. And, it was so much fun to watch him play "Foggy Mt. Breakdown"! I feel very fortunate to be an extension of his fiddln' legacy.
Liz Wineland
07/21/2013
Weldon will be missed by a lot of people. I have danced, played, and sang with him many times. There have been a lot of good fiddle players who have gone on before him, so I am sure they will be having a great reunion in heaven. I was shocked to hear of his passing. God be with his brother and famiy members in this time of sorrow.
Robyn Schaffer MacMillan
07/20/2013
Weldon, I remember fondly many times hearing you and Gene playing your beautiful music for my Grandma Edryn. She loved your music as I did. Now you can play for her in heaven! You will be so missed here on earth but we will never forget you or your music. Love you dear Cousin....Rest in Peace
Bess Gourd
07/20/2013
Remembering the Gourd reunions at Brooks . I'm knowing you and Jack will have a great time getting together .. Really enjoyed all your and Genes music . Prayers for all the family .
Dan & Jan Steele
07/20/2013
Knowing and being able to share music with Weldon was such an honor Such a kind and loving man who always had a kind word to share! What a wonderful, joyful time in heaven with that beautiful fiddle music now being played!!
David & Angela Bellegante
07/20/2013
The art of fiddle music will be carried on by all the wonderful fiddlers you have mentored and influenced throughout the years. There will be a tremendous void here without you. Heaven has gained a wonderful, humble, & loving man.
Thank you for being my mentor for 37 years.
Peace, Prayers, Love, and Comfort to all of Weldon's family.
Cheryl Schamerhorn
07/20/2013
Well I think he is finally happy. He can now play the fiddle and sing with Charlene and Marvin and my mom Judy Young. You are a great man and will be missed greatly.. We love you..
Cheryl, Joey, Amanda