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LaDonna Welk Obituary
She married her childhood sweetheart from Harvey, Dr. Richard (Dick) W. Welk, Aug. 20, 1955 and subsequently resided in Kansas City where Dick graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School. He then trained in Milwaukee before practicing two years in Glasgow, Mon. In 1963 they moved to San Antonio where Dick joined the Army Medical Corps. Several years of military life stateside and abroad ensued. Donna was deeply devoted to home and family. She fearlessly organized epic camping trips all over Europe, collecting many prized treasures along the way. The family moved to Midland in 1970, where they settled into the only house Dick and Donna ever owned, graduated all five of their children from Dow High School, and sent all along to undergraduate and graduate degrees in medicine, law, education and business. In 1993, they retired to Seattle, Wash. where Dick passed of a sudden heart attack in 1997. Donna started a brave new life, remaining centered around her children and her grandchildren in the years that followed. She returned to Midland in 2014.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband. She is survived by her younger brother, David; and five children, Dr. Richard A. Welk of Seattle, Wash. (Aya Hamilton), Diane K. Welk of Midland (Thomas Noyle), Marcia L. Welk of Denver, Colo. (Mark Johnson), Dr. Leslie A. Welk of Scottsdale, Ariz. (Dr. Brian Frohna) and Dawn W. Wise of Dexter, (Dustin Wise). Also remaining are six grandchildren and five step-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and gave her a constant reason to shop for "surprises."
A memorial Liturgy will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Midland with Fr. Kevin Maksym officiating. The family will greet friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
The Welk family extends heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff at King's Daughters Home for their love, attentiveness and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in LaDonna's name to Midland King's Daughters Home or the Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences may be left at smithminer.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Tammy Wise
January 5, 2018
Marcy, what a beautiful obituary. While I did not have the pleasure of meeting your Mom, reading through this gave me a glimpse of the interesting life your family shared and a new understanding of where you got your wanderlust. Thinking of you and the whole Welk clan.
Sam Walker
December 31, 2017
I'm so sorry to read that your mother passed. She was delightful company for my mother during her time as a resident at Bickford. May the gift of time and good memories bring peace. With Sympathy, Sam Walker
Melodie Denstedt
December 24, 2017
Deepest condolences to the entire family. I will always remember her grace, and gentle touch.Hugs to all of you in this very difficult time. Again.. I am very sorry for your loss. Fly high Beautiful.
Melodie Denstedt
December 24, 2017
Deepest condolences to the entire family. May the reminders of her gentle touch, and grace carry all of you threw this very difficult time. Again... I am very sorry for your loss. Fly high Beautiful.
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Mary Kemp
December 20, 2017
Hugs to all the Welk family. You had the best parents, who were good friends to us in Midland. I think of your mother fondly this time of year and especially miss her tasty homemade fruit cakes. Rest well LaDonna.
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