Monica Ann Welke

Monica A. Welke, age 72, of Madelia, MN died on January 8, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, MN. Monica Ann (Schmiesing) Welke was born to Rudolph and Clara (Basmoen) Schmiesing in New Ulm, MN on July 17, 1943. Monica grew up in rural Hanska, MN and attended country school in the area and later, Sleepy Eye High School. On April 28, 1973, she married Rodger Welke at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. The couple made their home in Madelia, MN for many years. She worked as secretary for a construction firm and later devoted her time to being a full-time homemaker. Their family included two daughters, Kelly and Courtney. Monica was a very loving and caring mother who always thought of others before herself. Monica enjoyed many hobbies including, gardening, bird watching, arts and crafts, reading, playing games, going for long drives and day trips, watching movies and spending time with family, especially her children and grandchildren. Monica is survived by her husband, Rodger Welke of Madelia; daughters, Kelly (Paul) Kunkel of North Mankato, MN, Courtney Welke (Eric Menk) of Mankato, MN; grandchildren, Elysse (Elliott) Strom, Glynnis (Zachary) Kunkel-Ruiz, Forrest Kunkel; brothers-in-law, Harry Kral, Bob Roberts, Jerry Welke; sisters-in-law, Leatrice (Duane) Ellanson, Sharon Miller, Dolores Baier, Lonnie (Jim) Wieseler; aunt, Olga Price of Minneapolis, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Barry Zangel; sisters, Lonita Kral, Yvonne Roberts; nephew, Guy Roberts; sister-in-law, Lynn Welke; brothers in-law, Jerry Miller and James Baier; Parents-in-Law Ruben (Grace) Welke, and several aunts and uncles. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, January 15, 2016 Sturm Funeral Home, Pilgrim Chapel 303 E. Main St. Madelia, Minnesota, United States 56062 Visitation 2 10:00 am - 11:00 am Saturday, January 16, 2016 Albion Lutheran Church, St. James 10454 250th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 11:00 am Saturday, January 16, 2016 Albion Lutheran Church, St. James 10454 250th Ave. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Albion Lutheran Cemetery-St. James 10454 250th Ave. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Reception A luncheon will take place in the church immediately following interment.