Julia Welke

Julia Welke, age 87, of Hokah, died on Sunday, March 20, 2016, at Valley View Healthcare in Houston.
Julia was born on July 3, 1928, near Oak Ridge to Ole T. and Bertha (Burgufson) Odegaarden. She was baptized and confirmed at the Stone Church in Houston. Lloyd and Julia Welke were united in marriage on December 27, 1950. Together they farmed on German Ridge in Hokah and raised their five children: Steven (Mary Sullivan) Welke, La Crosse; Judy (Mike) Mitchell, Hokah; Duane (Pamela) Welke, Onalaska; Karen (Alan) Lorenz, Caledonia; Carol (Philip) Onstad, Hokah. They farmed until 1983, then they moved to town.
Julia worked at the Kwik Trip Bakery in Onalaska for 12 years until her retirement at age 70. Julia has passionately enjoyed her Christian faith, her family, and gardening.
She is survived by her 5 children, 16 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren.
Julia was the last living relative in her family and Lloyd’s family. Her parents preceded her in death: Ole T. & Bertha Odegaarden, her husband, Lloyd Welke on August 25, 2001; her brother’s Tollef (his wife Myrtle), Helmer, Burns, and Arnold Odegaarden. Her loving and close sister, Bernice (her husband Melvin) and an infant sister.
The family would like to extend our warm gratitude to Valley View Healthcare in Houston, Gundersen Health System Hospice Care Department, and with special thanks to Dr. Lisa Nutter at La Crescent Gundersen Clinic for your sweet compassionate healthcare for Julia!
The family would like to express our most heartfelt gratitude to her daughter and son-in-law, Mike and Judy Mitchell, for the wonderful and loving care, that mom has received by both of you! It is because of you that she was able to stay in her home.
Mom, we love you and we will miss you!
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 24th at the Hokah United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Bengtson officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. until the time of services. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crescent is assisting the family.