Anna Welbes

Anna O. Welbes, 85, Weston, died Friday, May 20, 2011 at the Hospice House under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Anna O. Denzin was born March 28, 1926 in Marshfield to the late Paul and Theresa (Vircks) Denzin. She grew up in the Milan area and was united in matrimony to Lawrence M. Welbes on September 14, 1946 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wuerzburg. The couple was blessed with five children, Phyllis, Carmen, Florence, Roger and Teresa. Anna was a dedicated mother. After 56 loving years together, Lawrence died on April 1, 2003.

Prior to starting their family, Anna worked for Marathon Electric and after a number of years of raising her children she went back temporarily before working a number of part-time jobs. When she was at home, Anna rarely sat down preferring to be cooking, baking, sewing, or working in her garden. Outside of the home, she was a tireless volunteer with the Catholic Daughters and St. Patrick's Circle. As grandchildren began to arrive, Anna rarely missed the opportunity to spend time with them. When Lawrence retired, they built a four-season home on the Lake DuBay property which had served as the summer cottage for some 20 years. Anna never met a stranger, her infectious smile and welcoming presence made all who met her feel at home.

Anna is survived by her children, Phyllis Welbes of Wausau, Carmen (Larry) Stunkel currently cruising in SE Asia, Florence Wachtl of Wausau, Roger (Sandy) Welbes of Mosinee and Teresa (Ray) Skare of Wausau; grandchildren, Dr. Zachary (Liz) Wachtl, Kelly (Matt Witzeling) Wachtl DPT, Christi (Donald) Imhoff II and Jamie (Ryan) Connor; great-grandchildren, Riley and Chloe Imhoff; sisters, Leona Ellenbecker and Ruth Sauter; brother, Clarence (Betty) Denzin; and many more extended family and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Albert, Edward and Harold Denzin; sisters, Hildene Callies, Esther Remus and Lucille Pridmore; and son-in-law, Lyle Fust.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, May 26, 2011 at St. Therese Parish, Rothschild. Father Janusz Kowalski will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM at the church and last until the time of service. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven cemetery. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital (501 St Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105) or to the Aspirus Health Foundation – Aspirus CCHS Funds (Aspirus Health Foundation, 425 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau, WI 54401).

Anna's family would like to thank the staff of the Renaissance Assisted Living and the staff of the Hospice House for their compassionate and loving care of Anna and the family.