Judith Ann Welker

Colonel Judy (Judith) Welker, passed away at her home in Carlsbad , CA from head and neck cancer on July 12, 2016.

Judy was born in Iowa on November 8, 1944 and was raised in Shelby, Montana by her parents Howard and Genny (Genevieve) Welker.

After high school she attended Kinman Business College for a year and received a degree in Sociology from Montana State University . She was commissioned in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and retired as a Colonel in the Army Reserves after 35years. Judy was a graduate of the Army War College , an expert in Psychological Operations, and received the top award from the Selective Service System.

Judy attended San Diego State University (SDSU), pursuing an MBA in Accounting and Finance. She was a member of the Accounting Honorary, Beta Alpha Psi, and taught accounting at SDSU. Judy passed the CPA exam and worked as an auditor and tax accountant, eventually becoming an IRS Special Agent (criminal investigator), primarily investigating money laundering in conjunction with narcotics and export violations. After 7 years, Judy transferred to US Customs Service as a Special Agent. She obtained a Masters Degree in Management from Salve Regina University and became a member of MENSA. Transferring to Washington, DC as a Senior Special Agent, she worked at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the U.S. Customs Headquarters, where she became the Area Director for Asian Operations, and ultimately, the national coordinator of narcotic undercover investigations.

Judy retired in San Diego , CA as a Supervisor in charge of exports of high technology and military munitions. At retirement, she received the Albert Gallatin award, the highest award given to an individual by the Treasury Department.

After retiring, she became an avid golfer and won the club champion 6 times at Lake San Marcos Country Club now known as St. Mark Golf Club. In May 2015 she shared the club championship at the Lake San Marcos Executive Course, which was the last time she got to play the game she loved so much. Throughout her life, Judy had continuing faith in Christ.

Judy is survived by her brother, Jim and his wife, Claudia and their children and grandchildren who live in Colorado . She has a large extended family and was very close to her aunts, uncles, and many cousins all over the country with the majority residing in Montana .

Services will be held at the Whitted Funeral Home in Shelby , MT on July 29th at 10:30 am. After the service there will be a grave side service at the Mountain View Cemetery and lunch at the Methodist Church for family and friends.