Audrey Wellendorf

Audrey Wellendorf, age 89, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Saturday. Fr. Shawn Polman will celebrate the Mass, and inurnment will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

Audrey Joanne (Winje) Wellendorf was born December 23, 1936, on the family farm in Liberty Grove Township near Lidgerwood, ND, to Herbert and Ida (Garad) Winje, joining almost-three-year-old twin sisters and a one-year-old brother. The family moved often since her father managed Peavey grain elevators in five area towns, the majority of that time in Clinton, MN. She had a happy childhood, enjoying Girl Scouts and making many lifelong friends. Audrey graduated from Clinton High School with the Class of 1954, and recently attended her 72nd class reunion with four classmates.

During high school, Audrey worked at the theatre and Bea and Ann’s café. It was there at the café that she met Bea and Ann’s nephew, Donald Wellendorf, Jr., and during many rounds of roller skating, their friendship grew into courtship. They were engaged after her graduation and united in marriage on October 16, 1954, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. Soon after, Junior entered the United States Army and served 2 years, including 15 months in Germany. When he returned, they made their home together as the third generation on the Wellendorf family farm. They were blessed with four children and raised them in the Best Place Ever. As a devoted homemaker and farm wife, Audrey valued her role within her family. She cared for her home and gardens and helped where she was needed on the farm. She supported her children’s endeavors in school and 4-H, and enjoyed her many friends in the Artichoke/Otrey community. After 44 years on the farm, they moved to town. As her husband’s health faded, Audrey selflessly cared for him. After Junior passed in 2019, she moved to Fairway View.

Audrey’s creative talents were evident in her passions for sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and other handwork. Among many other projects, she made a quilt and Afghan for each grandchild. She also enjoyed golfing and watching both professional and local high school sports. These activities brought her joy and were a source of connection with those she loved.

Audrey was also active in her community. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church for nearly seven decades, singing in the choir, serving in women’s circles, Bowl of Love, and religious education. She contributed her time and efforts to the American Cancer Society, demonstrating her commitment to serving those in need. With her calm demeanor, Audrey was a friend to all. Whether in an organized group such as Homemakers Club, Bridge Club, Birthday Club, game night, a visit with her family, or just over a cup of coffee, she truly enjoyed conversation. To quote a neighbor, “Our Audrey was witty, pretty, and a dear, dear friend.”

Left to cherish Audrey’s memory are her children: Carol (Monte) Dybvig of Cambridge, MN; Jim (Peg) Wellendorf of Morris, MN; John (Holly) Wellendorf of Ortonville, MN; and Bruce (Lynette) Wellendorf of Ortonville, MN; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren (one on the way); three great-great-grandchildren (two on the way); along with many nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Susan Winje.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Jr.; her parents; sisters: Marguerite (Wally) Krey and Marilyn (Dick) Lund; brother, Robert Winje; brother-in-law, Erwin “Bud” Wellendorf; and sisters-in-law: Darlene (Milferd) Salverson and Phyllis (Magnus) Thompson.