Velta Gohlke

Velta Ann Gohlke of Neshkoro was called home on February 21, 2022 at the age of 94. Velta was born October 4, 1927, in Oxford, Wisconsin, the daughter of Lawrence and Marie (Williams) Purdy. Velta graduated from Oxford High School in 1945, and went on to attend the Waushara County Normal School in Wautoma, graduating in 1947. She taught school at a one room schoolhouse in Dodge County prior to her marriage to Phillip E. Gohlke on October 2, 1949. During the early years of their marriage, Velta was busy raising children, farming and assisting with her husband’s various businesses. She later worked at Neshkoro Manufacturing, followed by over 20 years at Wilson Hurd in Berlin.

Velta was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, Neshkoro. She will be fondly remembered for her love of music and her ability to harmonize. Anyone playing King’s Corners with Velta knew she’d usually win, but she’d always help her opponents so they wouldn't miss a play. Velta enjoyed spending time with her family and touched the lives of everyone she knew. No one was a stranger to Velta, and she loved the challenge of determining who someone was, or where she had met them before. If you needed anything, she would help you or find someone who could. She lived by example, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10.

She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Phillip; children: Larry (Jean) Gohlke, Neshkoro; Dennis (Lynn) Gohlke, Neshkoro; Karla (Roger) Souzek, Wautoma; Linda Gohlke, Neshkoro; and daughter-in-law Cindy Gohlke, Wautoma. She is survived by 18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren, as well as one sister, Marcia Hoeth (Coon Valley), sisters-in-law Sandra Gohlke (Neshkoro), Carla (Ralph) Fredrick (Berlin). She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and in-laws, Lawrence and Marie Purdy and Edward and Norma Gohlke, Velta was preceded in death by her son, Rick Gohlke as well as her sisters Margaret (Sherman) Wilson, Dorothy (Cecil) Chapin, her brother, John (Delores) Purdy, brothers in law Donald Hoeth, Wilmar Gohlke, and Russell (Deloris) Gohlke.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church, Neshkoro with Pastor John Bumgardner officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30AM until the time of services at 11AM. Burial will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the charity of your choice, or Agnesian Hospice Foundation, 745 South St., Suite 4, Green Lake, Wisconsin, 54941.