WELCH, JOSEPH W., JR.
Joseph W. Welch, age 82, a resident of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown formerly of Grundy Center died Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Veterans Home following a lengthy illness. Private family interment will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery at a future date. Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is handling the arrangements.
Joseph was born on June 2, 1924 in Oglesby, Illinois, the son of Joseph and Agnes (Creiger) Welch. He was involved with the CCC during his youth. Joseph served his country in the United States Marine Corps during WWII. He owned and operated a driving school and also worked for the Illinois Secretary of State. Joseph had resided in LaSalle, Illinois, Blackduck, Minnesota, and Grundy Center, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Lillian B. Rentz on November 28, 1989 in Bemidji, Minnesota.
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; daughter Carol (Ed) Williams of Lynn Center, Illinois. He was a beloved second father to Steven (Pam) Rentz of Emmons, Minnesota, Raymond (Jacqueline) Rentz of Clarks Grove, Minnesota, Diane Cain of Rochester, Minnesota, and Susanna Williams of Orlando, Florida. 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, Illinois, and Lillian (John) Seghi of Standard, Illinois; and a brother Donald Welch of Rochester, New Hampshire. In addition, Joseph is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial fund has been established for the Marine Corps League in Jonesville, Illinois.