Welch, Leonard 1960-2015

WELCH, PARVU, BETTERTON, SCHROEDER, MCKEE

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/14/2015 at 14:19:49

Leonard Welch

Date of Death
Monday, February 23, 2015

Akron, Iowa

Leonard Welch, 54, of Akron, Iowa passed away Monday, February 23, 2015 at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Hawarden, Iowa following a courageous battle with liver cancer.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Carlsen Funeral Home – Schroeder Chapel in Akron. Deacon Richard Port from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Akron will officiate. Military honors will be conducted by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.carlsenfuneralhome.com.

Leonard Eugene Welch was born October 7, 1960 in Akron, Iowa, the son of Bernard Welch, Sr. and Kay Parvu. Leonard was the oldest of 4 siblings: Ella (Ron) Parmeter of Alcester, SD, Linda (Jeff) Banks of Hawarden, IA, and Bernie (Becky) Welch of Akron, IA. He always looked out for their best interests. He attended school in Westfield, Iowa.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1978. He was stationed in Korea, serving as a helicopter mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1980. Following his discharge, he lived in Alabama.

He married Bonnie Betterton. To this union, four children were born: Heather (Robert “Tony”) Craig of Sergeant Bluff, IA, Dena Eslinger, Michael Welch, and Kayleigh Welch, all of Sioux City. Leonard worked in security. In 1983, they moved to Akron. They later divorced.

In 1993, he met his soul mate, Jackie Schroeder. Along with Jackie, came two children: Matthew Ruud of Fargo, ND and Christopher Welch. They made their home in Akron. Leonard worked at I.B.P. in Sioux City for 11 years. Later, he went to work at Services Unlimited in Ireton, Iowa as an electrician until he was unable to work due to illness.

Leonard was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, attending rock concerts, singing karaoke, fishing, hunting, camping, and traveling. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie of Akron; his father: Bernard (Isabel) Welch, Sr. of Akron, IA; his mother: Kay (Jim) McKee of Alcester, SD; his children; his grandchildren: John, Kellie, Joseph, and Jason; his siblings; his nephews: Bobby, Brandon, Shane, Stephen, Andrew, Aaron, Joe, and Kyle; his niece: Alisha; and a brother in law: Marty Parmeter.

He was preceded in death by paternal and maternal grandparents; his son: Christopher Welch; an uncle: Leonard Welch; an aunt: Carolyn Grimm; a nephew: Ian Welch; and a step brother: Joseph Welch.

Source: Carlsen Funeral Home online obituary.