Born in1942 in Bigfork, Minnesota. Graduated from Bigfork High School in 1960. Graduated 1964 from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota with a BS in Business Administration and minors in Math and Physics. Played football in high school and college. Former retail store credit manager for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in Duluth, Minnesota 1964-1966. Former sales engineer for Eclipse Fuel Engineering Co., Rockford, Illinois 1966-1968. Graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois 1970. Associated with Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home as owner and partner since 1970. Married to Sandra Jo Spaulding Klontz Welte since 1964, BS ED University of Minnesota Duluth. Four children, Jaime R. Welte-Finch, BS ED University of Iowa, funeral director; Jeffrey S. Welte, BS Mortuary Science, University of Minnesota, funeral director; Jody L. Shimek, BS Graphic Design, University of Minnesota, Multimedia Specialist; Jyll M. Welte, MS Deaf Ed, Special Ed, University of Minnesota, United Airlines Reservation Specialist.
James Welte has been involved on several boards over the years, is a past president of Alpine Kiwanis Club and member since 1970. Past President of Children's Development Center of Rockford and member for 12 years. Member of Christ United Methodist Church and has served on several committees in the church. Board member of Wesley Willows Health Care Center. James has been a Commercial, Instrument rated, fixed wing single engine land and sea pilot since 1966 with over 1900 hours and member of the AOPA, EAA, Blackhawk Flying Club in Rockford, IL and Bigfork Flying Club in Bigfork, MN.
Jeff Welte is a lifelong resident of Rockford. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1986, spent 2 years at the University of Iowa where he worked as a night supervisor at the Campus library and 2 years at the University of Minnesota with a 6 month internship at Kok funeral home in St. Paul Park, MN graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science in 1990. A member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity while attending both universities. Jeff is a licensed funeral director in Illinois and Minnesota and joined his father Jim at Julian-Poorman-Welte in the summer of 1990. In the summer of 1998 Jeff took on the additional responsibilities of managing and working for Cedar Bluff Cemetery Association in Rockford. Jeff runs the office at the cemetery where he designs, sells and installs granite grave stones and he digs the graves as well. Jeff married Penni S. Morrical in 1996. Jeff and his wife, Penni, live in the Rockford/Byron area with their children; Kjia, Reegan, Kaedon and their dog, Minnesota (Sota). Penni currently works as a Special Education Aide in the Oregon Elementary School.
Jaime Finch was a lifelong resident of Rockford until her move to Mt. Morris, IL in 1997. She graduated from Guilford High School in 1984, spent 1 year at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, 3 years at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, graduating in 1988 with a BS in Elementary Education. Jaime taught first grade for 3 years at Keith Country Day School in Rockford. She is a 1993 Graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Chicago, IL. Jaime is a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. She was employed by Julian-Poorman-Welte Funeral Home starting in 1991. After having her children, Jaime decided to be a stay at home mom in Mt. Morris, IL, occasionally helping out here at the funeral home, as well as assisting her husband Lou at his funeral home in Mt. Morris. She has since become a Tastefully Simple consultant with great results.
Jaime was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority in college and is currently a member of the Junior League of Rockford (member 1992 to present). She was past secretary, treasurer, vice president and president of the Northern Illinois Funeral Directors Association. Jaime has been a Special Olympics Volunteer since 1980. She was also the Coach of the Guilford High School Valkyries Synchronized Swimming Club from 1988-1991. Jaime also served on the Rockford Dance Company Board of Directors from 1993 to 1995 as secretary and vice president. She has been a licensed insurance producer since 1991.
Married to Louis G. Finch IV of Finch Funeral Home and Crematory in Mt. Morris, IL. Lou was recently elected as the Ogle County Coroner. Member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris, IL.
Jaime and Lou live in Mt. Morris with their children; Brayton, Gylian, Brigham and Ryker.
Born and raised in Rockford, Il. Attended Hall School, Lincoln Junior High and a 1961 graduate of East High School. Attended Gustavus Adolphus College for 3 years and received her B.S. from University of Minnesota. Married James E. Welte August 22, 1964. Taught at A.C. Thompson school, Hall Adult and Washington Center for Adult Education at Illinois Growth Enterprises. Has been a member of A.A.U.W., Junior League of Rockford, Rockford Woman's Club, Board member of Rockford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Board member of Children's Development Center Auxiliary, Board member of Golden Ager's Center, and volunteer for Rockford Memorial Hospital. Is a charter member of Court Street Methodist woman's group and is a member of Christ United Methodist Church. Raised 4 children and has 11 grand children. In free time enjoys time spent with family and friends, camping, reading, music, and traveling.
Marcia is Jeff's Mother in Law. She started working at the Funeral home in 1998 by helping at funeral services and maintaining the appearance of our facilities. Marcia is one of the hardest working people we know and is an integral part of our staff.
