Joel Alan Wellnitz

Joel Alan Wellnitz was born May 12, 1962, a twin to brother James, in St. James, MN, to parents Marvin and Norma (Erickson) Wellnitz. Joel grew up in St. James and graduated from St. James High School in 1980. He then studied auto mechanics at the vo-tech in Mankato. Joel helped on the family farm and worked at Westins. Joel then worked for 25 years as a mechanic with the street department for the City of St. James. Most recently he was working at Don's Tire. Joel loved working on cars, he also had a project he was working on. Joel enjoyed spending time at Mary's Lake, hunting and fishing and watching movies with Jill. Joel's love of his kids was his highest priority, he loved being part of their lives. Joel Wellnitz passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Mayo Clinic Health System -Mankato. Joel is survived by his children; Nathan Wellnitz (Mari Lane) of Hastings, Andrea Wellnitz (Colton Nelson) of St. James, the love of his life Jill Schwanz and her children Cody and Sarah Schwanz, siblings; James (Babette) Wellnitz of St. Michael, Jane (Tom) Schabert of Mankato, Jon (Jill) Wellnitz of New Ulm, Jean Blackstad of Madelia. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and Jean's love Arnie Anderson. Visitation 1 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 25, 2016 Augustana Lutheran Church- St. James 603 Armstrong Blvd. N. PO Box 151 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 25, 2016 Augustana Lutheran Church- St. James 603 Armstrong Blvd. N. PO Box 151 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081