Bernice Estelle Welk-Morgan, 95
Bernice Estelle Welk-Morgan, 95, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on Dec. 13, 1914, in Badger Mountain, Idaho, to Simon and Lulu (Short) Moe. Bernice married Ernest Welk of Anacortes, Wash., in a double ceremony along with his brother, Ted and wife, Jean, on Sept. 8, 1934. They enjoyed 41 years together until his death in 1975. Bernice remained single until God brought John Morgan into her life, and they married on Nov. 20, 1982, in Moses Lake, Wash. They were blessed with 16 years together when John preceded her in death in 1998. Bernice and Ernest pastored churches together in Mullen, Idaho; and Forks, Sequim, Coulee City, Newport and Moses Lake, Wash. They also invested a couple of years in the evangelistic field together. Bernice, herself, was a licensed minister and served on staff as the minister of visitation with her son, Reverend Gordon Welk. The driving passion of her life was ministering to others. Whether she was spending time counseling or standing in the gap as a prayer warrior, her heart was fully dedicated to bringing people to Christ. Bernice also enjoyed cooking, sewing and creating a loving home for her family. Her baking was legendary and was something anticipated by many. Bernice loved her family and friends wholly and always welcomed them into her home. She was an engaging storyteller, and family, both young and old, would sit with rapt attention while she regaled us with her thoughts. Bernice was also known as a woman of prayer. Her time spent in God s presence was both unique and very special to her. We will all miss the covering she brought to our lives. Her final years were spent in the loving care of her daughter and son-in-law, Lorraine and Butch Woolard, and the caring staff of Immanuel Lutheran Home. Bernice is survived by her five children, Pastor Gordon Welk and wife, Shirley of Kent, Wash., Lorraine Woolard and husband, Marvin Butch of Kalispell, Richard Welk and wife, Carolyn of Wenatchee, Wash., Mary Bennett and husband, Paul of Albion, Wash., and Don Morgan and wife, Sue of Spokane; 14 grandchildren, Tamara Barrans, Cindy Welk, Darell Welk, John Welk, Craig Woolard, Jeffrey Woolard, Mike Welk, Stacy West, Rochelle, Marlene and David Bennett, and John, Steve and Kevin Morgan; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Bernice will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at the Valley View Memorial Park in Soap Lake, Wash. The casket will be open for those wishing to view. Memorial services will follow at 1 p.m. at the Moses Lake Assembly of God, in Moses Lake, with Pastor Gordon Welk officiating. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Bernice s family. You are invited to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Bernice s tribute wall and offer condolences.