Joan M. Welke, 63 of 18401 Forest Road, Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully with friends and family at her side Friday, May 24, 1996, at St. Joseph's Hospital, as a result of a sudden asthma attack. \r\nJoan was born March 30, 1933 to Alvin and Jeanette (Munson) Nelson in Eau Claire. She was confirmed at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Eau Claire on March 30, 1947. She graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School with the class of 1951. Joan married Robert Welke on October 11, 1958 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.. \r\nShe worked many years at the Northern Center and then at the Golden Age Home in Chippewa Falls as a nurse's aid until her retirement in 1986. Joan enjoyed the camaraderie of her friends and family and was an avid researcher of family history. Most recently she became a devoted grandmother to Ryan and Bailey Jo, spending her vacations with them in Wyoming. \r\nSurvivors include two sons, Rusty (Kathy) Welke of Rock Springs,WY and Travis Welke of Chippewa Falls; her special grandchildren Ryan and Bailey Jo both of Rock Springs, WY; a sister, Dolores (Harrison) Tietz of Altoona; two aunts, Margaret Monson and Grace Munson both of Eau Claire; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 1981; her parents; and a brother, Orie.\r\nFuneral Services will be at 1:30 P.M. Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud Funeral Home with Pastor Gordon D. Thorpe officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls. Friends may call 4 to 8 P.M. Tuesday and one hour prior to services on Wednesday.\r\nJoan will be deeply missed by all, but her charming wit and character will live within us all forever.\r\nA special memorial donation will be made to the American Lung Association for asthma research to help find a cure for this disease.

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