Julia Irene (Saltee) Laechelt was born September 24, 1907, near Canby, Minnesota, to parents Louis and Bertha Saltee. She was baptized in October of 1907 at St. Stephans Church of Canby and confirmed in May of 1921, also at St. Stephans. Julia was united in marriage to Walter E. Laechelt on January 27, 1927, at the home of her parents in Canby. This marriage was blessed with two children: Phyllis and Merlyn. Julia and Walter farmed their entire married life. She was a devoted wife and mother and always busy in her church and community. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and an active member of the LWML. She was Zion Lutheran Sunday School Superintendent and Vacation Bible School Superintendent for 27 years. She also was Past President of the LWML and always willing to help her church with anything that was needed. She was also involved in her community. Julia was County President (Womens Committee) of Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation for 35 years. She received an 'Honorary Lifetime Achievement' award from Minnesota Farm Bureau. She was active with the Yellow Medicine County Fair Association for 42 years; Yellow Medicine County Agriculture Committee and Extension Homemakers Club for many years; President of Federated Womens Study Club of Clarkfield; Secretary and Treasurer of Clarkfield Livestock Shipping Association for 25 years; and was the Senior Citizen Outstanding Distinguished Citizen award winner of Yellow Medicine County. Julia's family was important to her. She was a homemaker and loved crocheting, knitting, gardening, sewing, making hats, and playing the piano and organ by ear. Much of her handiwork was seen at church sales and the county fair. Julia passed away at her home on Thursday, January 6, 2000, at the age of 92 years, 3 months, and 14 days. She is survived by her children: Phyllis Kockelman and Merlyn Laechelt of Boyd, Minnesota. Also surviving are Alice Laechelt and Bob Johnson; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; five sisters; three brothers; and husband Walter in 1970. Blessed be the memory of Julia Laechelt. Visitation Sunday, January 9, 2000 * 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Prayer Service 5:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Monday, January 10, 2000 * 10:30 a.m. Zion Lutheran Church, Tyro Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Officiating, Pastor Randy Maland Organist, NormaStreich Casket Bearers Mark Laechelt, Jeffrey Hovlid William Wiberg, Donald Hinz Alfred Pierce, Marlan Satre Final Resting Place Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Tyro Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota