Josephine Anne Weckesser

Josephine Anne (Josie) Weckesser, age 90 of Midland, passed away at home after a battle with cancer on October 7. She was born June 22, 1932, the 12th of 16 children, to John and Olive Plude of Gladwin. She graduated from Gladwin High School in 1950, and married her high school sweetheart, Donald N. (Ned) Weckesser on May 18, 1952. They were married for 63 years, until Ned's death in 2015.

Together Josie and Ned raised eight children. She was an active partner in the family business, Weckesser Builders, for more than 30 years; all the while running children to and from school and sporting events. She always put a lot of miles on her vehicles. For years, Josie was an avid bowler, with many 200+ games and 500+ series to her credit.

She was also a lifelong devout practicing Catholic; and over the years was a member of Blessed Sacrament, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, and Our Lady of Grace (St. Agnes) parishes. Josie had a great sense of humor, and she was generous; contributing to many charities and those that she saw in need. Josie most enjoyed traveling and playing cards with her family, where a lot of cheating accusations flew around the table.

Josie was predeceased by her husband, Ned in 2015; six brothers; and six sisters; two sons, Will Weckesser(2008) and Cris Weckesser(2022), both of Midland; and two grandchildren, Jason Weckesser(2012) and Grace Weckesser(2012).

She is survived by her children, Greg(Denise) Weckesser of Midland, Olivia Inman of Elk Rapids, John(Debra) Weckesser of Franklin, TN, Dr. Donald N.(Charlie)(Sharon) Weckesser of Mascot, TN, Jeff Weckesser of Midland, and Lezlee(Glen) Brown of Chapel Hill, TN; daughter-in-law, Shawn(Will) Weckesser of Midland; sisters, Dolores(Ron) Bigelow of Averill, Karen(Carl) Mitchell of Midland; and brother, Dick(Pat) Plude of Midland. She is also survived by over 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Josie was blessed to have lived the last 14 years of her life at Independence Village of Midland, a place she truly loved and called home; and where she had many good friends. Her family wishes to extend a special "thank you" to the staff and all of her friends at Independence Village. And also a special "thank you" to Hospice of Michigan.

Josie's family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street on Thursday, October 13 from 4-7 p.m., a liturgy will follow.

Funeral services will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace (formerly St. Agnes) Parish in Sanford, on Friday, October 14. Family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m., with Father Dan Fox, OFM, Cap, presiding.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to give an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to The Arc of Midland. Josephine Anne Weckesser Weckesser