James Edward Welte

James Edward Welte, 82, of Rockford IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 surrounded by his family.  He was born February 28, 1942 in Bigfork, MN the son of Harold and Ethel (Walsh) Welte. He graduated from Bigfork High School in 1960.  He worked on the family farm and in the family business, Welte Plumbing and Heating alongside his father.  He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, MN in 1964. He met the love of his life, Sandra Jo Spaulding while at Gustavus.  They were married August 22, 1964.  They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year! They started their married life together in Duluth, MN as he worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.  They moved to Rockford, IL in 1966 when he went to work at Eclipse.  In 1970 he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science and went to work with his father in law, David L Klontz.  They acquired Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home where he continued to work until earlier this year.  He was a licensed funeral director for over 50 years. He took his position as a funeral director in this community very seriously.  He treated every family with respect, dignity and compassion and worked tirelessly to make sure he met the needs of everyone he served.

Jim was actively involved with Alpine Kiwanis.  He was one of the founding members and continued to support the club throughout his life. He was a staple at Bratwurst Days where you could find him behind the grill or sitting in the cool shade giving others instructions on how to do it. He also volunteered at the Northern Illinois Special Olympics Spring Games for over 30 years.  He was always on the track making sure the timers knew what they were doing.  He served in various capacities on several boards including Wesley Willows, Children’s Development Center, Cedar Bluff Cemetery and Christ United Methodist Church.

He was a licensed commercial pilot with instrument/single engine/land and sea ratings since 1966. He loved everything to do with aviation. He and Sandy enjoyed traveling all over the place with family and friends including road trips across the country in their RV and many cruises. They spent as much time as possible at Welte’s Wildernest, their cabin in Bigfork. He never missed the annual Labor Day weekend with the Rat Bay guys, his group of friends from high school.  He also never missed a hunting season at the shack where he grew up hunting with his dad and brother and then continued the tradition with his family and college friends. He was always happiest when he was in the woods. He loved to share his passion for camping, boating, and love of the great outdoors with his family and friends.

He was so proud of his family.  He was at every event for all of his kids throughout every stage of their lives. When his 11 grandkids arrived, he had a new sparkle in his eyes and love in his heart. He followed their every move whether he was in the stands at a high school game or in the audience for a band and choir concert. He was their number one super fan! Later, when they were in college he made sure to visit if he could and/or cheer them on from afar.  His favorite app was Life360! He always knew exactly where we were and what we were doing.   He was our Superman/MacGyver.  He could build anything and fix everything.  His warehouse up in Bigfork had any kind of tool or trinket that one could ever need for anything and he knew exactly where everything was.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, his 4 kids: Jaime (Lou) Finch of Mt Morris, IL, Jeff (Penni) Welte of Rockford, IL, Jody (John) Shimek of Jordan, MN and Jyll Welte of Rockford, IL. His grandchildren: Brayton Finch, Gylian Finch, Brigham Finch, Ryker Finch, Kjia Welte, Reegan Welte, Kaedon Welte, Halle Shimek, Chance Shimek, Trace Shimek and Sloane Shimek and one sister, Norane Stejskal of Grand Rapids, MN along with several nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his father and step mother, Harold and Luverne Welte, his mother and step father, Ethel and Sam Custer, his brother Richard Welte and his sisters, Harla Dobrinz and Patricia Welte.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00am on Friday, July 5th, 2024 at Christ United Methodist Church 4509 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL with Pastor Caleb Hong officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30am to service time.  Inurnment will take place during what would have been his 67th annual Labor Day weekend gathering on Saturday, August 31st at the Bigfork Cemetery in Bigfork, MN. Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be distributed to his favorite groups and charities at a later date.

Live Stream: https://vimeo.com/event/4428425