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Willa Anna
Beloved Mother
Grandmother & Great Grandmother
Passed away on May 16, 2019 at the age of 83 years. Preceded in death by husband Hugh, brother Maynard Sass and son-in-law Dan. Survived by children Renee DeSteno (David), Gary (Rhonda), Mark (Jane) and Collen Hunt; 13 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; brother Myron Sass (Hildegard); sister Shirley Powers and sister-in-law Rebecca Sass. Private family service and burial at Evergreen Memorial Garden.

Life Story

Willa Anna Welp (nee Sass)

Willa was born in Plainview, Minnesota (northeast of Rochester) on May 23, 1935. She was the daughter of Elmer Sass and Betty Mickow Sass. She attended Plainview High School where she met the love of her life, Hugh Laqua Welp, at a school dance. Hugh was in the Air Force when they met. He was called back into the service so the two of them were married in October 28, 1950 in Riverside, California. Hugh was a carpenter and his job brought them to the Twin Cities. Willa began working as a bookkeeper at Midway National Bank until she had her first child. She dedicated her time after that to caring for their first baby, and eventually all four of their children. They lived on the peninsula in White Bear Lake for several years as Hugh built their forever home near Cedar Avenue and Cranbrook Drive. Once the house was complete, they moved as a family. Willa and Hugh were lifelong members of South Shore Trinity Lutheran Church. Their time was spent together as a family and they would take a yearly trip up to Northern Minnesota where they rented a cabin for a week. They also took a very memorable trip out to Virginia with the kids. Willa was a wonderful gardener and enjoyed tending to her flowers and plants. She enjoys listening to music and particularly loves hymns by Michael Crawford. Those who know her well remember her famous brownies with the thick frosting. That was the most requested dish by her family and friends. In recent years, Willa began enjoying movies and television when she was spending time on her own. Her favorite times were when she could watch her great-grandchildren play as the adults sat around talking. Willa will be missed by all who knew her.