Joe Welke

WAUNAKEE/ MADISON - Joseph Welke, age 76, died on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center, after a long illness. He was born on Oct. 10, 1927, in Madison, the son of John and Appolina Welke. Joe served with the Bushmasters in the Southwest Pacific and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1947, and was discharged in 1950. He married Lola Cook on Dec. 2, 1950, in Madison, at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Joe was employed by Findorff as a cabinet maker for a brief time and the city of Madison Forestry Department from 1952 until his retirement in 1990. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time on his land in Portage. Joe was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Along with enjoying his free time, Joe worked part-time as a handyman at Steel Forms Construction. He always had time to help others and was known as "Mr. Fix-it." Joe is survived by his wife, Lola; his children, Diane (David) DuBenske of McFarland, Cheryl Schwalbach of Madison, and Joseph Welke of Madison; six grandchildren, Scott (fiancee, Lori), Jill (Tyler) Lynch, Todd, Dan, Brandon and Joey; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, John; sister, Mary; and brother, Hank. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, with Monsignor Michael Hippee presiding. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, and at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare, or to Leukemia Society of America, Wisconsin Chapter, 1126 S. 70th St., Suite N405A, Milwaukee, WI, 53214. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and the staff at St. Mary's Hospital and Dean Clinic. A very special thank you to Dr. Prendergast and Dr. Musa. Both are amazing individuals and Joe was fortunate to have them fighting for him. The family would also like to thank the Hospice staff for their support and help during Joe's final days. Gunderson East Funeral Home (608) 221-5420