Jolene Ann (Welu) Hjelmberg

SAVAGE–Jolene Ann (Welu) Hjelmberg, age 52, of Savage, MN, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the evening of December 22, 2024 at her residence in Savage under the care of hospice. She was born October 8,1972 in Sioux Falls, SD, daughter of Lloyd and Helen Welu, and was raised on the family farm near Milroy, MN. After graduation from Marshall High School, Jolene attended Universities of Morris and Moorhead where she studied accounting. While in college she met her future husband, Chris, and they were united in marriage on August 10th, 1996. Jolene worked as an accountant for several construction companies until her health declined this past summer.

Jolene was a member of The House Church in Eagan, MN, where she loved to serve the Lord as a greeter and took advantage of many ministry opportunities to love and serve others. Jolene had a passion for gardening, with her home being called the “flower house” by the neighborhood children who called her “Miss Jolene”. She was a member of the Twin Cities Rose Club. If you visited her home, Jolene would give a tour of her multiple flower gardens. She was especially known for growing beautiful roses and dahlias.

Jolene’s greatest joy was being a mom, raising and spending time with her children as well as spending time with her extended family whom she loved dearly and was loved in return.

Jolene is survived by her husband of 28 years, Christopher Hjelmberg; sons, Kendrick Dale and Carter Christopher; daughter, Emily Jo; mother, Helen Welu; brothers, Michael Welu (Cindy), Melvin Welu (Beverly), and John Welu (Theresa); sister, Pauline Vogl (Todd); mother and father in-law Ilene and Roger Else; brothers-in-law, Nathan Hjelmberg (Anna) and Andrew Else (Blanca). She also leaves behind many other family and friends including 17 nephews/nieces and 20 great-nephews/nieces (with four more on the way) who will sadly miss her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Welu, in-laws Dennis and Marion Hjelmberg, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 28, at The House Church, 2024 Rahn Way in Eagan, MN 55122. ‍Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m with funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. Burial service will be held at 1pm, Sunday, January 5th, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Cemetery, Milroy, MN, with fellowship and refreshments following in the church basement.