Sue Welke (1936-2022)

[Angel Welke]

Esther (Sue) Welke, Age 85, of Beaver Island and Coldwater passed away on April 12, 2022, after a short illness.
She was born on November 15, 1936, to James and Mary Elizabeth (Kiley) Schulte in Detroit, MI. After graduating from Walled Lake High School, she married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Welke, on October 6, 1956. They were married for nearly 60 years. While Bob began work for the Michigan Department of Transportation in 1958 and rose to the position of Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation in 1996, Sue was by his side and together they raised seven children. They retired in August 1997 to focus on their beloved family life and to enjoy their home on Beaver Island.
Sue and Bob raised seven children: Tim (Patti), Bobbi, Tom (Barb), Beth, Mike (Renee), Scott (Michelle Thornton), and Bill (Teri). She enjoyed her 15 grandchildren: Ben (Barbara), Greg (Jenna), Lauren (Taylor Rohlfs), Drew (Carrie Mayer), Kate (Tyler Stewart), Karly (Dylan Binkley), Mariah, Makyle (Natalie Fons), Malina, Brett (Tana), Morgan (Jacob Haviland), Erin (Josh McDonald), Dan, Jack, and Abby. She was proud of her 11 great grandchildren: Braden, Brice, Brinley, Ryan, Graham, Maddox, Brogan, Kade, Rylie, Mika, and Carter. Sue was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and her sisters, Kathie and Ann.
Sue shared her time graciously throughout her life, including volunteering at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Coldwater, helping in the school’s lunchroom, teaching CCD, and providing faith formation for those at the Coldwater Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities. She joined the Newcomers Club, Jaycees, and both major political parties. She helped with the founding of a hospice program on Beaver Island. On Beaver Island, she helped to create the Property Association of BI and served on the committee charged with establishing the Community Center. She volunteered with Holy Cross Catholic Church as a member of the Altar Society and served as a volunteer at the Marine Museum for the Beaver Island Historical Society.
Sue began working when her youngest was in school, working as a paraprofessional for the Branch County Intermediate School District in Coldwater Schools and as a certified nurse aide in Marshall. Her final work assignment was with the State of Michigan as a resident care aide at the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing.
Sue and Bob relocated their home throughout Michigan every year or two. Their longest home location was in Coldwater, after Bob was assigned the oversight of the construction of I-69 in Branch County. Once their oldest child started school they stayed in Coldwater and Bob traveled to his work assignments throughout southern Michigan. They traveled together for his work and their pleasure, including visiting with their family throughout the world. Sue was proud of all her children, as they are actively involved with their families and communities.
Bob and Sue established their first home on Beaver Island in 1959, where they spent some of their happiest times with family and friends. Planning and executing a home, garden, or farm project was never-ending on the island. Sue’s passion was cooking and baking for her family, friends, and events.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Sue’s memory, you may consider a donation to Beaver Island’s Holy Cross Catholic Church, Beaver Island Historical Society, the Preservation Association of Beaver Island, or Hospice of Hillsdale County.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater on Monday, April 18, 2022, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, with a prayer service beginning at 5:30 pm.
On Friday, July 1, 2022, a visitation will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Beaver Island from 6:00 to 7:30 pm followed by a Rosary at 7:30 pm. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 11:00 am at Holy Cross, with interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.