JOHN FRANCIS "JACK" WOELKE

1948 - 2019

John Francis Woelke passed away on March 6, 2019 in Prescott Valley, AZ, at the age of 70. Born on October 6, 1948, Jack, as he was known to his friends and family. Jack was proud to have served his country as a US Marine from 1966-1970. After leaving the military, Jack met, fell in love with and married Teri on May 23, 1970. Shortly thereafter they moved to the Imperial Valley, where they began and raised their family. He worked for the Imperial Irrigation District for nearly 40 years, working his way up from water clerk to superintendent during that time. Jack was a dedicated servant to his community as well. He was very active in his local Lions Club, both as a member and as president. He served as Mayor of Calipatria and was elected councilman for 18 years. He was one of the first certified EMTs in the area, and was a member of the Calipatria Volunteer Fire Department for over 10 years, including serving as chief of the department for part of that time. Jack enjoyed running the time clock for the local high school games, and served his Parish of Sacred Heart Catholic Church as a lector and commentator. One of Jacks greatest joys in life was spending time in the desert and mountains that he loved so much. Whether it was a simple Sunday drive with Teri in his jeep, or a weekend with friends camping and hunting, he seemed to find beauty in the world around him, frequently taking pictures of the native vegetation and scenery. Jack loved his family deeply, and served as an example of a faithful husband, loving father, and proud American to everyone around him. His smile, easy laugh, sense of humor and calm presence will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond A. and Patricia R. Woelke; brothers, Raymond Lawrence Woelke, Paul Robert Woelke and Edward Michael Woelke. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Teresa Woelke; daughters, Frances Woelke, Jenifer Woelke Caro and Moe Caro, Margret Woelke-Guevara and Herb Guevara; son, Matthew Woelke and Karen Kreider; grandchildren, Melanie Garcia, Noah Caro, Claira Caro, Nicholas Ross, Hannah Caro, Josiah Caro and Robyn Woelke-Guevara; siblings, Anthony (Jet) Woelke, William (Linda) Woelke, Ralph (Janet) Woelke, Pat (LuAnn) Woelke, Mary Lou (Robert) Hogan, Martha (Noel) Desilets, Frank (Kelly) Woelke and Hugh (Christine) Woelke. In addition, Jack leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 6 to 9 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley, CA. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 10 a.m. with Father Andrew Kunambi officiating at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brawley, CA. Burial will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jack's name to Sacred Heart School in Brawley, or The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society.