Velma Wollschlager

Velma Wollschlager, age 87, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022, at St. William’s Care Center in Milbank, SD.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church with a vigil being held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Friday. Fr. Gary DeRouchey will celebrate the Mass and interment will be at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

Velma Marlene (Adelman) Wollschlager was born on November 7, 1935, in Ortonville, MN, to Jerome and Erna (Abramowski) Adelman. Velma was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosen. She grew up in the Rosen, MN, area and attended school at St. Joseph School. At age 11, Velma and her family relocated to rural Grant County, SD. She attended Bellingham High School and graduated with the Class of 1953.

On October 15, 1954, Velma was united in marriage with Raymond Wollschlager in Rosen, MN. They made their first home in Junction City, KS, as Ray was serving in the United States Army and stationed at Ft. Riley.In 1955, they returned to Vernon Township to farm and raise a family. Ray and Velma enjoyed 58 years of marriage until Ray’s passing in January of 2013. Velma was a wonderful homemaker, mother, and farm wife. She was active in the family farming operation and seed corn business and helped her husband, Ray, as a valuable bookkeeper when he sold seed for many years.

Velma was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church. She taught religious education both at St. James Catholic Church in Nassau, MN, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosen, also serving as director. Velma was a member of the Catholic Daughters of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank, supported the Right to Life and enjoyed singing with the St. Lawrence funeral choir.

Velma was especially proud of having many family members serving in the nation’s military, first responders and Law enforcement. She, herself, served as a member of the Nassau and Milbank Auxiliaries in support.

She had a green thumb, and will be remembered for her beautiful plants and flowers, often adorned with some of her favorite things; angels, Texas bluebonnets, or birdhouse décor.

When Velma wasn’t busy keeping her home and raising her seven children, she enjoyed traveling and took many trips around the United States, taking several trips to Texas. She loved tracing her family tree and was extraordinarily good at remembering family members’ birthdays or special events. Velma enjoyed attending any events her grandkids participated in and loved spending time with her godchildren. She loved dancing was known to waltz in her kitchen to country music on the radio. Velma never turned down an opportunity to have a cup of coffee and a sweet treat or two. No one ever left Velma’s house hungry! She could cook and bake like nobody’s business.

Left to cherish Velma’s memory are her children: David (Karlene) Wollschlager of Revillo, SD; Joan Wollschlager (Brad Hauck) of Lake Preston, SD; Debra (Rod) Wendland of Brookings, SD; Cheryl Knudson of Sioux Falls, SD; Susan Lester of Milbank, SD; Charles (Tammy) Wollschlager of Revillo, SD; and Sandy Berg (Steve Minder) of Wilmot, SD; 18 grandchildren: Paul (Mandy) Kazmerzak, Valerie (Eric) Young, Ryan (Kim) Kazmerzak, Elise Kazmerzak, Jesse (Katie) Heller, Cody (Barb) Heller, Eric (Rena) Wendland, Colton (Stephanie) Wendland, Tyler Waldner (Abby Kristensen) Travis (Anne) Lester, Dustin Lester, Kelsey (Josh) Van Hill, Jordan (Brittany) Wollschlager, Tory (Jordan) Wollschlager, Caden Wollschlager (fiancé, Jen Rappe), Erin (Nick) Sime, Taylor Berg (fiancé Ria Teske), and Laura (Jeremy) Hageman; 31 great-grandchildren: Greta, Gemma, Cade, Maelie, Dawson, Cameron, Lincoln, Jackson, Brody, Liam, Henry, Chasen, Charlize, Cailyn, Carston, Leah, Ford, Brady, Sammy, Lauren, Hannah, Bella, Jacobie, Hailee, Lainey, Mara, Raeleigh, Bryer, Claire, Brooks, and Brynley;  siblings: LaVonne (Conrad) Schuelke of Ortonville, MN; Adrian (Pam) Adelman of Brookings, SD; Sharon (Erland) Wellberg of Montevideo, MN; Ruthie (Tom) Schuelke of Ortonville, MN; Donna Schell of Toledo, OH; Carole (Roger) Ruth of Coon Rapids, MN; Dale (Pam) Adelman of Milbank, SD; Ken Adelman of Fargo, ND; and Beverly (Ken) Kuefler of Ortonville, MN; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray in 2013; and sisters: Wanda (Jack) Schuelke, and Kay (Edward) Wollschlager.

Family requests memorials be preferred to the St. William’s Care Center Furnace Fund.