Kenneth Welcher

Kenneth (Duke) Lorraine Welcher passed away at the age of 94 in his home on December 23, 2019. Kenneth was born on December 6, 1925 to John and Mae (Leeps) Welcher of Murray, Iowa. He enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in February 1944, serving in the South Pacific during World War II on the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa. At the end of the war he served in the Occupation of Japan. He was discharged, at the rank of Corporal, at the Naval Training Center, Chicago, in July 1946. On October 29, 1949 he was united in marriage to Doris Jones of Murray, Iowa. They resided in Osceola where he was employed at E.I. Sargent’s Quarry where he worked with explosives and later became a Plant Operator and retired in 1990. His favorite pastimes were fishing, gardening, and supporting the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was member of the American Legion. His real passion was for family, country, watching the Cubs win the World Series.

Kenneth is survived by his wife Doris Welcher; daughter Kathy Roberts of Osceola, John E. Welcher and wife Jennifer of Osceola, and daughter Deborah Welcher of Glenwood, Iowa. Seven grandchildren, Kim Hepner of Osceola, Kim (David) Batterson of Colorado, Tina (Lee) Svanda of Germany, Jaimee (Ryan) Glazebrook of Colorado, Kelli (Bobby Brown) Price of Osceola, Courtney (Bob) White of Osceola, and Christian (Jacob) Watkins of Osceola. There are twelve great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.¬ Wayne Welcher, brother, of Des Moines, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jose, a sister Delores McCauley, and a great-great grandchild Kashdon Rattray.

Kenneth will be greatly missed by family and friends. He never hesitated to help someone in need.

Cremation was entrusted to Kale Funeral Home and a graveside service with military honors will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola at a later date.