Josephine (JoAnn) (Castle) Welke

COVID-19-Update-With the recent guidelines limits the number of people to less than 10 at any gathering, we are asking that you consider other ways to help support the family and friends during this difficult times as an alternative to attending a visitation or funeral.

 Josephine Ann (JoAnn) Welke,  age 78, of North Branch, passed away on Tuesday,  September 22, 2020 at The Pines of Lapeer with her family by her side.  JoAnn was born at her family home on Castle Road, on August 21, 1942, the daughter of Wells and Mary (Waldon) Castle. JoAnn grew up in the North Branch area. She was a 1960 graduate of North Branch Area Schools.  On February 4, 1967, JoAnn married William Welke at the First United Methodist Church in North Branch. JoAnn was a LPN nurse. She worked over 30 years in Dr. Porte’s office and later as a school nurse at North Branch Area Schools.  JoAnn was a member of the First United Methodist Church of North Branch, American Legion Auxiliary #457, North Branch Historical Society, and the United Methodist Woman’s Club. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, quilting and reading. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time with her family.

JoAnn is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughters, Kris (Wayne) Thibodeau,

Kelli (Steve) Lovasz, Stacy (Frank) Vickers ; her grandchildren, Alex, Madalinn, Claire, Abigail, Elizabeth, Mariah, Garrett and Sophia; her brothers, Al (Joeann) Castle and David (Duan) Castle, her sister, Beth (Randy) Shoemaker; many  nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Wells and Mary Castle, her brothers, John Castle and Robert Castle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Make-A-Wish-Team Mariah and  the North Branch Township Library.

The family will be present for visitation on Friday, September 25, 2020, 3:00P.M.-8:00 P.M. at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. On Saturday, September 26, 2020, visitation will be 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church in North Branch with funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M. Pastors Ted Alkins and Ronald Hutchinson will officiate. JoAnn will be laid to rest at Westlawn Cemetery. Please bring your lawn chairs if you are attend the burial.

You may share an online condolence at www.blackburnchapel.com

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

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