Ralph H. Welch

Ralph H. Welch, age 84, of Storm Lake, Iowa died December 29, 2011 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Ralph H. Welch was born July 31, 1927 in Eldora, Iowa. He was raised in the Marshalltown area and later graduated from Laurel High School. Following high school graduation, Ralph enlisted in the United States Army in 1944 where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged. Upon his return, Ralph attended Iowa State Teacherâ€™s College in Cedar Falls, Iowa and then continued his education at the University of Iowa where he received his Masters Degree in School Administration. On June 2, 1951, Ralph was united in marriage to Helen Young in Geneva, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with three children: Todd, Chad, and Ann. After teaching for a few years, Ralph went into sales with J.S. Lattaâ€™s where he sold school supplies. Following 15 years of selling school supplies, Ralph returned to his love of teaching where he taught 6th grade at Storm Lake. He also served as the Elementary and Junior High Principal for 20 years. He promoted â€œMiddle School Concept of Teaching.â€ After retirement, he went to Buena Vista University as an adjunct professor in the Education Department. Ralph was very active in community involvement. He was a member of HyNoon Kiwanis, Charter Member of Lake Creek, and Charter Member of Faith, Hope and Charity. He served as a commodore for Star Spangled Spectacular, Storm Lake Library Board and Berkley Bidellâ€™s Academy Selection Committee. Ralph was a State Delegate to the Republican Convention in Des Moines, Iowa. In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed golfing and collecting antiques. He loved socializing with his many friends. Ralph treasured his family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Helen Welch of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Todd (Lori) Welch of Erie, Colorado; Chad Welch of Longmont, Colorado; Ann (Scott) Blessing of Longmont, Colorado; four grandchildren: Shay (Erin) Blessing; Troy (fiancÃ©, Audrey) Blessing; Kelsey Blessing; Julia Bishop; sister, Betty Kitzman of Mesa, Arizona; nieces and nephews; extended family and many friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his birth mother, Mildred Welch; adoptive parents, Walt and Marieah Harvey.

Ralph H. Welch

July 31, 1927 - December 30, 2011