Joseph Welch, 82, Marshalltown, Iowa
Published 12:00 am Sunday, April 29, 2007
Joseph W. Welch, 82, a resident of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, formerly of Grundy Center, was born on June 2, 1924, in Oglesby, Ill., the son of Joseph and Agnes (Creiger) Welch, and died on Saturday, April 21, 2007, at the Veterans Home following a lengthy illness.
He was involved with the CCC during his youth. Joseph served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He owned and operated a driving school and also worked for the Illinois Secretary of State. Joseph had resided in LaSalle, Ill., Blackduck, Minn., and Grundy Center, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Lillian B. Rentz on Nov. 28, 1989, in Bemidji.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Elizabeth Chapin and Anna Lesmiester, a brother, Stanley Welch, and a brother-in-law, Peter Lesmiester.
Survivors include his wife, Lillian of Grundy Center; and daughter Carol (Ed) Williams of Lynn Center, Ill. He was a beloved second father to Steven (Pam) Rentz of Emmons, Raymond (Jacqueline) Rentz of Clarks Grove, Diane Cain of Rochester and Susanna Williams of Orlando, Fla. Also surviving are two grandchildren Bryan (Nancy) Williams and Lori (John) Foley; seven second grandchildren, Richard Carmack, Adam Carmack, Daniel Fogelquist, Amy Fogelquist, Joshua Rentz, Niccole Rentz and Crystal Rentz; four great-grandchildren Samantha Williams, Sydney Williams, John Foley Jr., and Joseph Foley; three second great-grandchildren Caleb Fogelquist, Devon Carmack and Tyler Carmack; two sisters Mary (Corino) Padawan of Jonesville, Ill., and Lillian (John) Seghi of Standard, Ill.; and a brother Donald Welch of Rochester, N.H. In addition, Joseph is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial fund has been established for the Marine Corps League in Jonesville, Ill.
Graveside service is at 11 a.m. Monday at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Ill. The Rev. Lynn Bergren is officiating. Interment will be at Rock Island National Cemetery.