Donald James Welken was born on October 30, 1929. He is the third son of Olav and Emma Welken. He has three brothers; Lloyd, Kenneth and Ralph.

Donald lived with his family in Skandia Township from 1929 to 1939 where he attended Rural schools. In 1939, they moved to Green Township. He attended Green Consolidated School through the 8th grade. He attended the Zion Lutheran Church and Sunday School.

In 1947, Donald graduated from Valley City High School. He entered the United States Air Force in 1950. After receiving his discharge, he returned to Valley City. On July 21, 1951, he was united in marriage with Marjory E. Hanson of Valley City.

After living in Oregon from 1951 to 1953, they returned to the Valley City area, where they have been engaged in farming.

Donald and Marjory are members of the Zion Lutheran Church, where Donald has been a trustee. He also was Clerk of the Green School Board for a few years. He is a member of the Green Township Board at the present time.

Donald and Marjory have one son, David Donald, born January 28, 1954. David was married to Mary Baldwin in 1974. They are farming in partnership with Donald's father.

The Donald Welkens also have three daughters: Cynthia Diane, born January 28, 1957, who attends the University of North Dakota; Jeane Marie, born October 5, 1958, a Senior at Valley City High School, and Kathleen Ann, born February 26, 1962, an eighth grader at Valley City Junior High School.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 262