DIED. Lawrence Welk, 89, bandleader whose wholesome charm and "champagne music" made him a TV phenomenon; in Santa Monica, Calif. Welk, who was born in a sod farmhouse in Strasburg, N.D., dropped out of fourth grade to farm full time. His father taught him to play the accordion, and he began performing professionally at 21. His weekly show on ABC was derided by some as schmaltzy, but its easy-listening quality charmed millions of viewers from 1955 to 1971. Welk, who had a German accent, was known for his famous cue line, "An' ah-one, an' ah-two," and his frequent exclamation, "Wunnerful, wunnerful!" His 24-piece band played everything from polkas to pop. Said Welk of his style of music: "You have to play what the people understand."