Darrell Joseph Wellik

We all lost a really good man on October 14, 2022, when Darrell Wellik passed away quietly at home, of natural causes. Although, at age 75, he left us too soon, his years were filled with love, friendships, good works, and humor. Darrell's childhood was spent helping his parents and siblings run their family farm in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, where Darrell and both his brothers were high school football stars. Darrell studied business in college and he made accounting his first career.

In 1980 Darrell moved from Minnesota to San Diego as employee of Donovan Corporation to help oversee construction of the first stages of the San Diego Trolley line. Debbie Fitzpatrick (Wellik) soon joined him in San Diego and they were married in September that year.

Once the trolley project was completed, Darrell and Debbie remained in El Cajon. Darrell continued his accounting career with San Diego Precast Concrete. But Darrell's lifelong interest in cars led him to start and run his own successful automotive businesses; 10-Minute Oil Change, East County Tire & Brake, and Advanced Automotive, where Darrell actively worked and greeted customers until the day before he passed away.

Darrell is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Debra Fitzpatrick-Wellik, and by his daughters Stephani Wellik-Zautner and Tonia Tutewohl of Rosemont, Minnesota, son-in-law Paul Tutewohl, grandchildren Brandon Zautner and wife Karen, Brianna Zautner, and Jade Tutewohl, great-granddaughter Ava Hendrickson, siblings Wayne Wellik, Stephen Wellik (Trudy), Mary Wellik Link (Randy) and Kathy Wellik Behne (Jerry), nephews, and pet Shih Tzu, "Bentley".

Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where Darrell and Debbie have been longtime active members, will hold a funeral mass on November 9 at 3pm, 2766 Navajo Rd., El Cajon, CA 92020. Reception to follow from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at The Brigantine, 9350 Fuerte Drive, La Mesa.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association of America.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elcajonmortuary.com for the Wellik family.