James Welk

James Harold Welk, age 83, of Ripon, WI, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at Pleasant Park Place in Ripon with his family by his side.

James was born November 14, 1933, in Ripon, WI, the son of John and Madge (Redman) Welk. He graduated from Ripon High School and went on to serve our country in the United States Army. In 1956, James married Elaine Schwandt in Pickett. He was a farmer for most of his life and worked at Speed Queen in Ripon for 42 years. James was on the Board of Directors for Golden Rule Credit Union for 40 years. He was a member of Pickett Lions for several years. James was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Pickett along with being a church council member for a number of years also.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Welk of Ripon, WI; one daughter, Kathy (Jeff) Krentz of Ripon, WI; two granddaughters, Jenna (John) Ernst and Jordan Krentz both of Ripon, WI; great-granddaughter, Kaysen Ernst and sister-in-law, Eileen Taggart Riley of Florida. James is further survived by niece, Jane (Bruce) Larson and two nephews, Joe (Sue) Taggart and Jeff Taggart. James was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, James John Jr., sister, Merle Welk and niece, Kay Ann Taggart.

Visitation for James will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016, from 9 – 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church, 502 County Road M, Pickett, WI 54964 with a Private Family Service to follow. Inurnment will follow the service at Liberty Prairie Cemetery in the Town of Utica. Pastor Jud Krohn will officiate. A memorial is being established in James’ name.

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