William W. Welke, 73, Whitewood, died Tuesday, August 23, 2011, at his home.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday August 26, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Inurnment follows at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.

A memorial has been established to the Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Bill was born November 20, 1937 at Deadwood, SD to Mayme (Hermanson) and Winfred Welke. He attended country school near the family farm. He was injured working livestock at a young age. His mother helped him through his life until 1996 when he moved out to the family farm where he helped fence, hay, and work on machinery, Bill enjoyed raising his dogs. He loved to read, ride his bike or jump on the 4 wheeler to get the mail.

Survivors include his brother John (Sonja) Welke, Whitewood; their children, Jennifer (Steve) Froning, Wright, WY, Lori (Dennis) Hansen and Shelby, Spearfish, Glenda Welke, Summerset, Matthew (Jami Funell) Sturgis and Jalin, Makenna, Hannah; his dog Sidney; brothers Gary (Teresa Shoun) Welke, Sturgis, Ken Welke, Colorado; sisters, Mary (Marty) Martell, Abilene, TX, Marlene (Jim) Nichols, Texas, Darlene Welke, Spearfish, Debbie Welke, Sturgis; sister in law, Barb Welke, Newell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Jasper and brother Fred and special dog Sandy.

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