Mildred Welch

Mildred F. Welch, age 101, formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa died Sunday, April 18, 2010 at Southridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Marshalltown, Iowa, while in their care, that of Iowa River Hospice, and her loving family. Born August 21, 1908, in rural Cherokee County, Iowa, Mildred was the daughter, and second child, of George and Alice (Leonard) Turner. She attended country school through the 8th grade, and following graduation from Wilson High School in Cherokee in 1926, she graduated from Iowa State Teachers College, with further coursework to follow at Buena Vista College. Mildred taught school in the Rembrandt, Fort Dodge and Cherokee school districts. On December 18, 1933, she was married to Russell H. Welch in Rockport, Missouri. Following their marriage, they resided in Sioux City and Cherokee until 1970, when they retired and built their Lakeside home. Following her husbandâ€™s death in 1988, Mildred remained in their home until 1998. She then moved to Lake Pointe Villa in Storm Lake, where she lived until 2005, when moving to Marshalltown to be near family. Mildred was a member of the United Methodist Church, its evening circle, and her Neighborhood Club. Retirement provided Mildred and Russ with time for winter vacations in Arizona and Florida, for traveling with their children and grandchildren, and for entertaining family in their home, especially their Fourth of July gatherings at the lake. At one time, Mildred took joy in crocheting afghans, which all in her family still hold precious. Upon reaching the milestone of becoming a centenarian, Mildred was delighted to receive recognition certificates from Iowaâ€™s governor and the President of the United States. Grateful for having shared her life are her two daughters: Sally (Leo) Cram of Columbia, Missouri and Nancy (Gill) Hartliep of Marshalltown, Iowa; six grandchildren: Barbara (Mike) Rooney of Ashburn, Virginia; Debra (Andy) Metsker of Leavenworth, Kansas; Julie (Jerry) Bark of Kingsport, Tennessee; James (Lori) Cram of Shakopee, Minnesota; Steve (Gina) Hartliep of Waukesha, Wisconsin; and Susan Hartliep of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and eight great grandchildren: Austen Rooney, Chris and Matt Hager, Jeff and Angie Bark, Joshua Cram, and Nicholas and Lauren Hartliep. Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Russell in 1988; brother, William; and son-in-law, Leo Cram.

Mildred Welch

August 21, 1908 - April 18, 2010