Our Fallen


28 JUN 25 Robert J. Wiek

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Rob served his country with honor during the Vietnam War from June 8, 1966, to June 7, 1972, including a tour in-country from 1968 to 1969. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and was a lifetime member of both the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He also served with pride in the honor guard.

Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetery

20 AUG 22 DR. RICHARD SMALL

Dr. Richard Baldwin Small, 82, departed this world August 20, 2022, in Las Vegas. He was born February 8, 1940, in Benton Harbor, MI. He leaves behind his wife; Shirley; brother, Stephen; sister; Virginia; children; grandchildren; and great grandchildren. Richard determined at an early age that he wanted to live a life of service as witnessed by is decision to attend the University of Michigan where he received a degree in medicine specializing in neurosurgery. As a Captain in the U.S. Army, he served as a doctor during the Vietnam War saving the lives of and helping both military personnel and civilians. During this time, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and other medals. After his time in the military, he returned to Los Angeles where he continued to practice medicine in addition to helping his fellow veterans, the homeless and anyone who needed a helping hand. After he moved to Las Vegas, he became an active member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart at the local, state and national levels, as well as the Vietnam Veterans of America. Richard went back to Vietnam 3 times with Habitat for Humanity, he assisted with the Las Vegas Veterans Court and most recently, he was involved with veterans’ suicide prevention.

Published on October 9, 2022 – Las Vegas Review-Journal Obituaries

Dennis James Welzien

MARCH 19, 1948 – AUGUST 30, 2022

Dennis James Welzien, 74, of Henderson, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family, on August 30th, 2022. Dennis was born on March 19th, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised by his loving parents in Griffith, Indiana. Dennis was a proud Griffith High graduate, where he played football, and as of recently, still held the longest shot-put distance record. Dennis attended courses at Indiana University before enlisting in the U.S. Army, and deploying for a full tour in Pleiku, Vietnam. Dennis served as a flight engineer on a Sikorsky Skycrane, where he delivered heavy weaponry to fighting positions throughout the valley. His favorite part of the mission was flying care packages and steaks to soldiers in the field.

After returning home from Vietnam, Dennis married his beautiful bride and queen, Cheryl Girman, on October 30th, 1971. While starting his family, Dennis began his 20+ year career at Amoco Oil Refinery, rising to the position of Chief Operator. Upon retiring in 2000, Dennis and Cheryl moved to Henderson, Nevada, to be closer to their adult children living throughout the west coast. Dennis was a proud lifetime member of the Veterans of America, Henderson Chapter 1076.

Dennis loved being with his family, spending time with his rescued pets, and hanging out with friends while dancing and listening to his favorite band. Dennis was a lifetime Chicago Bears and Vegas Golden Knights fan.

Preceded in death by his loving parents, Wallace Welzien and Marguerite Welzien. Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Cheryl (Girman), loving daughter Dawn (Takeo) Sasaki, loving sons, Eric and Adam Welzien, loving granddaughters Ashley, Kaylee, and Alyssa, loving grandsons, Matthew, Alec, Steven, Kameron, and Brendan.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 10th, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015, followed by a catered reception from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Henderson, chapter 1076, or any local pet shelter or rescue.

Paul Olson CAPT USAF

AUGUST 16, 1955 – MAY 5, 2020

Paul D. Olson, 64, died suddenly in his Henderson, NV home on May 5, 2020. A veteran of Vietnam and the Gulf War.

Paul Olson was born on August 16, 1955 in Kassel, Germany to Sergeant Donald P. and Gisela Olson. In 1974, he joined the Air Force as a Radar Specialist. In 1984, he graduated from The Ohio State University as an Electrical Engineer, at which time he became a Commissioned Officer. After 20 years of active duty, he retired in 1994 and became a civilian employee. He spent another 25 years with The Department of Defense. He was a brave and loyal patriot, as well as a patient and loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed volunteering at the Veterans Home in Boulder City and The Veterans Transition Resource Center.