Irene E. Wellman (Gottschalk)

Age 91 of Anoka, MN entered her heavenly home on Saturday February 11^th, 2023.

Preceded in death by her father and mother, brothers, Ernest, Robert, George, and Louis Gottschalk.  She is survived by her sister Clara Larson, her husband Vern of 57 years, her 3 children and their spouses Jon (Lisa) Wellman, Dan (Michelle) Wellman, Tom (Lisa) Wellman.  She immensely enjoyed her 6 grandchildren and spouses Kelsey (Brian), Nick (Erin), Zachary, Megan (Austin), Chandler, Trevor, and her 3 great grandchildren Hunter, Gavin, and Jack.  She also held in her heart Michelle’s children Adam, Jordan (Mackenzie) and their children Jet and Loxley, and Cody (Ashley) as bonus grand/great grandchildren.  Many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Born May 13^th, 1931, in Maple Grove to Ludwig and Ethel (Blesi) Gottschalk.  She attended Fish Lake school, then Osseo High School.  She began her first job in 1949 at Kresge in Minneapolis and beginning 1951 worked 15 years at Federal Cartridge in Anoka, 8+ years as secretary to the centerfire plant superintendent.  She agreed to a first date with Vern September 5^th, 1964, spending a day at the State Fair and later dinner at Embers!  Her and Vern married June 5^th, 1965, and began their journey together, by October of 1965 expecting the arrival of their first child, they agreed that she would stay at home to be a mom. 

A dedicated mother, her sons remember a skilled baker, an excellent cook that never followed a recipe, she delighted in harvesting the fruits from the garden, and enjoyed canning and making preserves.  She enjoyed entertaining and time spent with family and friends, hospitality was a gift she embodied.  Forever the optimist, always rooted for the underdog and enjoyed a lively debate.  She enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and many RV trips traveling though out the United States, including 14 years she and Vern enjoyed as winter Texans. She had a fear of water, but not enough to stop her from climbing into the boat to spend a day fishing.

Irene loved her Mount Olive family and being a part of the Seniors bible study.  Irene loved Jesus and her trust in her Savior was steadfast through all the years of her life. Memorial Services will be held on Thursday February 23rd at 11 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 700 Western Street, Anoka. Memorial preferred to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Anoka.