Carl Joseph Wellenstein OBITUARY

Carl Joseph Wellenstein OBITUARY

Carl was born in Alhambra, California, on January 26, 1941, to Theodore James Wellenstein and Ernestine Rosemarie Herman. He ed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, following complications from a brain hemorrhage and cardiac arrest.

Carl was, to his core, a good and principled man — someone who led by example and quietly but steadfastly strived to do the right thing in every part of his life. He was a caring and loving husband to his beloved wife Chris for 44 years, and an extraordinary role model for his daughter, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

He served his country in the National Guard and enjoyed professional and personal pursuits that took him around the globe – and ultimately back to his native California. During his 15 year career with Arthur Young & Company (now Ernst & Young), he opened and led the firm’s office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, serving as the country managing partner. Over time, he realized his true ion and skills lay not in numbers, but in helping people.

Carl co-founded UK-based executive search firm Bartwell International where he spent more than half a decade; and eventually created ExecGlobalNet, Inc., a company devoted to helping executives navigate career transitions and ing employers in building stronger recruiting and hiring practices. He authored 12 Steps to a New Career: What to Do When You Want to Make a Change Now! and recently completed Recruiting Leaders and Managers: How to Make Sure You Get the Ones You Need on Your Team, to be published this year.

He also volunteered as a coach with The Honor Foundation (THF), an executive education program that s Special Operations Forces as they transition to civilian life, and was a committed member of the Kiwanis Club of Downey, California. His commitment to service, empathy, and mentorship touched lives from all walks of life.

Above all, Carl was a dedicated family man. He poured his heart into his roles as husband, father, and grandfather, leading by example and with quiet strength.

Carl is now reunited with his son, Mark. He is survived by his wife, Chris; his daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Andrew; and his two grandchildren, Maren-Amelie and Imogen. He will be greatly missed by family and friends across Arizona, Austria, California, Florida, , New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and Washington.

Carl generously donated his body to the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine to future medical learning. A celebration of his life will be held in mid-August at the First Presbyterian Church in Oceanside, California. Please the church office closer to the time for details.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carl’s honor to The Honor Foundation, ing elite veterans in their next mission.