Leann Nelle "Lee" Lucille Qualle

Leann Nelle Lucille Qualle, 87, of Red Wing, died Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Cannon Rivers Senior Living in Cannon Falls.

She was born February 9, 1938 in Red Wing to Marshall and Naomi (Swanson) Welt. She graduated from Red Wing Central High School, class of 1956. She met her husband, Walter Qualle, on a blind date. She received her engagement ring in the mail from France where Wally was serving in the U.S. Air Force. They were united in marriage on July 1, 1958 at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing where Lee was a lifelong member. For a short time, while Wally finished his time in the Air Force, they lived in Massachusetts. After his honorable discharge they returned to Red Wing where they raised two children.

While raising her children, Lee was a Girl Scout Leader. After her children were grown, she worked at Thrifty White Drug Store. She was also a Friend of the Sheldon Theater and served as an election judge. She and the family enjoyed camping and fishing on Spencer Lake in Siren, Wisc. where they vacationed for 41 years.

Lee enjoyed making friends. She was a social butterfly who loved going out to eat and chatting around coffee. She was very close with her 7 siblings and she adored being a grandmother and great-grandmother. If you ever happen to see the clock at 11:11, Lee would be tickled if you though of her.

She will be missed by many, including her two children Donna (Jay) Chytracek of Cannon Falls and Jay (Donna) Qualle of Belvidere; four grandsons, Ryan and Travis (Kelsey) Qualle, and Tyler and Carson Chytracek; two great-grandchildren, Blaine and Remi Qualle; brothers, Bruce (Colleen) Welt and David Welt; and one sister, Pamela (Patrick) Raley; as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Walter; brothers, Larry and Steve Welt; and sisters, LaVonne Fritzke and Nancy Theis.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m., Monday, February 16, 2026 at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Quinlan Koch officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com