Joan Wellnitz passed away August 2, 2017, in Bloomington, MN. She was 87. Joan Pauline Gross was born on May 22, 1930, in Chicago to her parents, Edwin and Harriet Gross. She grew up in Bridgewater, SD, and married her husband, Alfred there on August 31, 1957. The couple moved to Minnesota and settled in Bloomington where they lived for 59 years. Preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jean. Joan is survived by her husband, Alfred; her married children, Todd and daughter-in-law, Kim, Ann ans son-in-law, Blady, Matthew and daughter-in-law, Jessica; grandchildren, Guillermo, Josie and Gretchen; and siblings, Judy Olthoff, Kathlene Schroeder and Richard Gross. Joan was loving wife and mother, an avid seamstress, a reader of many books, and an occasional artist. She had a full life and will be sorely missed. Joan will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery following a private ceremony.
Because of Our Love
We were mutually attracted at a dance.
We dated, limited by distance and schedules.
We felt the angst, the ache, the obsessiveness of true love
And became engaged; time to have doubts, to reconsider.
Because of our love, we didn’t turn back.
Marriage, early bliss, and eventually children.-
The routine and challenges of everyday life engulfed us,
While doubts of our abilities as parents tested us.
The bonds that bind us were being threatened.
Because of our love, those bonds survived.
Eventually the children, despite our inaptitude,
Made us proud by becoming responsible adults.
Our work was nearly complete, our bonds strong,
When nature intruded with dementia to end our bliss.
Because of our love, it didn’t matter.
Alfred Wellnitz Books 
Mr Wellnitz,
I overheard someone say to you about how sorry they were about Joan. You were stepping into the elevator. I thought you’d return immediately but you didn’t and by then I had to let the AC man into my mom’s apartment. I pulled up your blog and saw the sad news
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss. Sitting on my parents deck I saw the incredible garden you have worked on. It was truly amazing. Your wife must have loved it. If there is anything we can do please feel free to reach out. My mom certainly understands your loss .
Deb Vieiralves
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Deborah M Vieiralves
08/14/2017
Thank you, I have lost my parents, two brothers, this is different, this is harder
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Alfred Wellnitz
08/15/2017