Frederick Craig Wellhouser
May 21, 1947 – March 27, 2024

Frederick “Fred” Craig Wellhouser was born in Spokane, Washington, on May 21,1947 and passed away on March 27, 2024 in Brownsville, Oregon. Fred’s father was Henry Frederick Wellhouser born in Cascade, Montana, and his mother Stella Mae Wellhouser born in Black Lake, Idaho.

Fred graduated North Central High School in Spokane, Washington, in 1965 and entered the US Navy in 1966 where he was stationed out of San Diego. In 1969, Fred went to Vietnam where he volunteered and served with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3; better known as HAL-3. They were known by their nickname “The Seawolves”. As Aviation Mate (Jet) Second Class (ADJ2) Fred served as a helicopter door gunner. Most of ADJ2 Wellhouser’s mission were classified, but included direct action support for the “Brown Water Navy” (River Rats), SEAL Teams, Special Operations Group (SOG), Marine Recon and Army Special Forces. Wellhouser flew a total of 387 missions with 300 of them being combat missions.

In 1970, Fred left the Navy and was hired by the Burlington Northern Railroad like his father Henry who retired from Burlington Northern in 1977. Fred moved to Brownsville, Oregon in 1972 where he met the love of his life, Jan Claire Mulholland, and they married December 9, 1972. Fred and Jan had two sons, Craig in 1974 and Jeff in 1975. Fred was deeply involved in Boy Scouts of America and later became a Scout Master where both Craig and Jeff achieved the highest rank in scouting, “Eagle Scout”.

Over the years, Fred has been involved in the community in which he lived for 52 years. Fred met many of the community members of Brownsville by stopping and giving a helping hand while driving around Brownsville. One of Fred’s favorite things to do was be the anchor of his tug-of-war team the “Rough Riders” that was an event long ago at the Brownsville Pioneer Picnic. The Rough Riders could only have five men on the team with a 1100lb weight limit. As Fred was the weight of two men and the strength of four… it worked out and they won the event many times over the years. Fred also collected money in the Fireman’s Boot for the Brownsville July 4th fireworks display and was “unconventional” on the way he collected money and always brought in the most money of any collector.

Fred loved going to his church, the Brownsville Assembly of God. Fred participated in Men’s breakfast and study groups. He was baptized by the Church later in life in the Calapooia River which flows through the heart of Brownsville. Fred was also involved in the Travis Moothart American Legion Post 184 which resides in Brownsville and he was recently awarded the Veteran of the Quarter Jan-Mar 2024 for exemplifying all four pillars of The American Legion. Fred was humbled by the recognition and was thankful for all who took the time to make his award night special.
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Fred is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law: Craig and Carrie of Tualatin OR, Jeffrey and Krystal Wellhouser of Brownsville, OR. His grandchildren: Isabelle and Henry (Hank) Wellhouser, Parks and Ray Wellhouser. His sisters: Pat Arent of Issaquah, WA and Melva Wellhouser of Damascus OR. His nephew, Mark Mulholland, nieces: Pam Hays, Sue Hall, Jill Pepperman, Stacy Albrecht, Shawna Arent, and Shelly Pham. Fred is preceded in death by his wife, Jan Claire Wellhouser; his parents Henry and Stella Wellhouser, brothers-in-law Lauren Arent, Don Davis, and Walt Mulholland. Nephews Brad Davis and Kevin Arent, and niece Kim Eakes.

Celebration of Life for Fred on May 18, 2024 at 11:30AM at Central Linn High School located at 32433 OR Hwy 228, Halsey OR. 97348. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.