John J. “Jake” Welu, 89, of Dubuque, Iowa passed away on August 29, 2025, at Bethany Home, with his family lovingly at his side.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road with a wake service to be held at 7:00 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Dellaert officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Jake was born on January 10, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Edward and Loras (Duggan) Welu. He graduated from Dubuque Senior High School and on September 14, 1957, he married Beverly “Bev” Howes at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque.

He worked for Eagle Pitchers/Inspirational Development in Shullsburg, WI as an Office Manager. After retirement he worked for AMOCO Convenience stores which included the Dodge Street and JFK/Pennsylvania locations for 20+ years.

Jake was a long-time parishioner of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where he also served as an usher for many years.

Jake was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was always smiling and was very witty. He enjoyed ice cream and the occasional visit to the casino. He was his daughter’s biggest fan when she played volleyball at Wahlert and at the University of Iowa.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Jeff) Harding of Navarre, FL; his grandchildren Quentin Welu of Dubuque, IA and Alex (Lola) Aragon of Colorado Springs, Co.; great grandchild Ezekiel “Zeke” Aragon; one sister Pat Brown, of Dubuque, IA; in-laws William “Bill” Howes of East Dubuque, IL, Linda Howes, Roxanne (Ron) Bahl, and Doris Howes all of Dubuque.

Jake was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Beverly “Bev” Welu on Oct. 21, 2018, father and mother-in-law Lloyd and Mary Vivian Howes; brothers Edward Welu Jr. and Thomas Welu; brothers-in-law Robert “Bob” Howes, Thomas “Tucker” Howes, James “Jim” Brown, and sister-in-law Betty Welu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Bethany Home or Hospice of Dubuque.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Bethany Home, particularly Joan Hoerner, for her love and support and to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Angie G., our personal angel here on earth, for all their compassionate care.