Josephine Wells

Josephine Wells, age 91, of Reedsburg, WI, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021. She was born on May 29, 1930 in Richland County, WI, the daughter of Lot and Lula (Cook) Marshall. On May 15, 1951 she was united in marriage to Fay Wells. Josephine’s mantra was “You’re at your best when you are giving to others”.  Josephine taught for three years in one room schools following her graduation from Teacher’s College. She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School  and delighting in the little ones in the church nursery.  She was a 4-H leader for many years teaching countless 4-H members to sew. She loved flowers and yard work. She was known for the letters she wrote to friends and family over the years including weekly letters to her nine grandchildren during their entire college experience, slipping spending money into each envelope. Josephine was a skilled baker, whose decorated cakes created cherished memories for many.   She was a legendary cook specializing in homemade noodles, potato salad, and stuffing.  She was very proud of hosting holiday meals long into her eighties.  Josephine often reminisced about attending dances with her college friends and continued to dance with any willing partner.  She also enjoyed playing cards, going to garage sales, auctions and shopping.   But Josephine’s greatest love and source of pride was her ever growing family. She provided endless support and celebrated life’s joys.

Her 14th Street neighborhood was Josephine’s home for 43 years.  Through the years, Josephine’s neighbors became part of her family. She enjoyed frequent visits on her front porch and watched over the neighborhood children, who frequently returned to the same front porch as adults years later.  The family extends heartfelt gratitude to long-term neighbors Ed and Marie Wagner, Kenny and Annette Walter, and John and Ann Schmidt for their ongoing love and support.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Fay on August 20, 2000; two sons in infancy, Terry and David; son-in-law LeRoy McKittrick; brothers and sisters Linford, Buford, Wilford, Hattie, Mildred and Jean; and mother and father-in-law Ted and Mattie Wells.

Josephine is survived by her daughters: Sherri McKittrick of Soldiers Grove, Cindy (Mike) McCluskey of Eau Claire, Donna (Rick) Schemm of Eau Claire, and Colleen (Dan) Klingenmeyer of Mayville; grandchildren: Nicholas (Jen) McKittrick, Nathan (Melissa) McKittrick, Brandon (Sara) McKittrick, Tyler (Gretchen) McCluskey, Zach (Madison) McCluskey, Jake Schemm (Rachael Hunter), Isaac Schemm, Alex (Haley) Klingenmeyer, and Mattie Klingenmeyer; eight great-grandchildren: Hailey, Hunter, Nessa, Clara, Hazel, Leo, Trenton, Jasa, Molly and Kellen; sister-in-law Marilyn Marshall of Richland Center; brother-in-law Martin Bulin of LaValle; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Josephine will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. A private burial will be held in the Loyd Cemetery.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.

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