Joseph M. Wels, age 89 of Monroe, died on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital. He was born on February 8, 1930 in Perry Township, in Mt. Horeb, the son of Joe and Sophie (Kirschmann) Wels. Joseph attended Ullom School for 8 years and graduated from Monroe High School in 1947.

Joseph served in the Korean War from 1953 – 1955. Joseph and Luana Meyers were united in marriage on April 7, 1956 at St. Victor Catholic Church. Joseph was a cheesemaker at the Whitehead Cheese Factory for 33 years, and later a Browntown Rural Letter carrier for 16 years.

Joseph was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish and Zilmer Riley American Legion Post#84.

He is survived by his wife, Luana C. Wels, daughters, Pamela (Randy) Wyss, their children: Theresa (fiancé, Kody Habeck), Stephanie (fiancé, Eric Buol) and Molly (Antonio) Archie; Rose Wels; sons, Joseph A. Wels, Martin Wels and his son Gavin; Anthony (Lisa) Wels and their children: Madeleine and Anthony; sister, Lydia (Fred) West and special family friend, Margaret Parmer.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Norbert and sister, Erika.

Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 1:00pm at St. Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor Catholic Church in Monroe with Monsignor Larry Bakke celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 1st from 11:00am until the time of service at the church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com. Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Victor School, or the Historic Cheese Making Center.