ELLA WELGOS, age 102, of Thorp, WI, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Aspirus Stanley Hospital in Stanley, WI.  A memorial service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at Thorp Funeral Home, with Fr. Hermann Klarr officiating.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.  Burial will follow at Holy Assumption Orthodox Cemetery in Lublin, WI.

     Ella Lencz was born on December 28, 1921 in Lublin, WI, the daughter of Steven and Mary (Paraschak) Lencz.  She was raised on the family farm, and received her education in Lublin.  Ella moved to Thorp, worked for and lived with the Conway family in order to attend high school.  After completing her education, she moved to Chicago where she worked in a factory.  Ella was united in marriage to Walter L. "Wally" Welgos on November 18, 1946.  They lived in Lublin for one year, and co-owned the grocery store in Stanley with Frank and Teddy Burzynski.  Ella and Wally later owned the grocery store in Owen before settling in Thorp in 1962, taking over the IGA grocery store where Country Floral is presently located.  In 1964, a new store was built where Hank’s Furniture is now located.  In 1972, a new and larger store was built in the location of the current grocery store.  Walter and Ella, along with their children, operated the IGA Foodliner until the sale of their business in 2004.

     She was a member of Holy Assumption Orthodox Church, the Thorp American Legion Auxiliary, and the Clark County Homemakers.

     Ella had many interests, but especially enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards, going to the casino, swimming, and playing softball when she was younger.

     She is survived by her children: Danny (Maureen) of Thorp, WI, Mary (Keith) Schmall of Payson, AZ and Anne (Harry) Parks of Sheboygan Falls, WI; four grandchildren; Andy Welgos, Mark Welgos, Jacqueline Barnes, Kevin Schmall, seven great-grandchildren; her daughter-in-law: Kathy Welgos of Snowmass, CO; her brother John Lencz,; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

     Ella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wally, on March 5, 2010; her son, Tony, on May 29, 2023; three grandchildren: Elliot Welgos, Katherine Schmall and Ryan Welgos; one great-grandson; five brothers: Harry, Frank, Michael, Daniel and Joe; and two sisters: Ella Lencz (in infancy) and Theodosia Burzynski.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Thorp Food Pantry, Clark County Humane Society or a charity of their choice.

    The family is grateful for the compassionate care by her primary medical provider Peter Gintner,PA-C, Jason Hazuga and staff at Traditions Assisted Living, HSHS and Lily Hospice Care teams, Doctors and Nurses at Aspirus Stanley Hospital and Matt & Nancy Dietrich.