George Wells, age 80, of Ulen, MN, died Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

George Happy Wells was born January 1, 1941, to Carl and Laura (Schiffman) Wells in Redwood, MN.  He grew up in Lamberton, MN, where he attended school.  At the age of 17, George graduated from high school and immediately enlisted in the United States Army.  He proudly served and earned the rank of Sergeant.  Following his honorable discharge, George lived in various places in the southern United States, spending most of his time in Arkansas.  A few years later he moved back to Minnesota where he met, Joan (Gregerson) Larson.  The couple married on September 19, 1970.  George lovingly welcomed Joan's children as his own and together they were blessed with one son, George Jr, making their family complete.  The family made their home in the Twin Cities where George worked as a mechanic for Firestone and Dairy Fresh.  He later began a career doing millwork, which fueled his passion for woodworking.  In 2000, George retired but continued woodworking in his shop.  George and Joan built their retirement cabin in Northern Minnesota, near Moose Lake, where they lived for several years.  They traveled often and enjoyed wintering in Texas for six seasons.  In 2006, the couple moved to Joan's hometown of Ulen, where they have lived since.

George loved being around people, visiting, cracking jokes, and making others smile.  They love to dance, and George was known to steal the spotlight with his front flips at outdoor gatherings.  George had a tender place in his heart for children and cherished his large family.  He spent hours creating beautiful furniture and wooden keepsakes for each of his children and grandchildren.  In his quiet time, George also liked to fish and spend time at the lake.  George truly treasured the simple things in his world and lived his life to the fullest, making beautiful memories along the way.

George is survived by his wife, Joan; sons, George "Pete" Jr. (Maddie Boyer) of Milaca, MN, and Donald (Renee) of Elk River, MN; daughters: Robbie (Henry) Lewis of Minnetonka, MN, Debra Salo of Otsego, MN, Judy (John) Green of Ulen, and Becky Barnes of Hawley, MN; brother, Gary (Gail) Wells of Hinkley, MN; 11 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren. George is preceded by his parents; brothers, Carl Jr. and Earl; 2 sons-in-law, Gary Hansen and Rick Barnes; and one son, David.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at North Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen.