ROBERT J. WELSH

Robert J Welsh, 87, died Monday, February 6, 2012 at Caledonia Care and Rehab Center with his loving family by his side. Bob was the third of fifteen children born to Patrick and Mary Zoll Welsh June 27, 1924 in Waukon, Iowa. He received his elementary education at Hanover #4 and French Creek #5 schools and graduated from St. Patrick’s high school, Waukon. He spent most of his life farming, initially with his brother Daniel in Lycurgus, but went on to purchase his own farm in 1964, the former Emmett Griffin farm on Jefferson Ridge between New Albin, Iowa and Caledonia, MN. At the age of 37, on February 24, 1962, he became a husband and father when he married Leona Pfiffner Welch, a pretty, young widow with two little children. Over the next nine years, they added three more children to make a total of five. They farmed until retiring in 2005 to 118 West Jackson St., Caledonia. Throughout the years, Bob was active in NFO, Catholic Order of Foresters, and Knights of Columbus. In 1994 he was awarded the Houston County Conservation Farmer of the year. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caledonia. Bob will be remembered for his kind, quiet, mild mannered yet witty personality. He is survived by Leona (his wife just three weeks shy of their 50 year anniversary); five children, Karen (Michael) Callan of Coon Valley, WI, Kevin Welch of La Crosse, WI, Janelle (Andrew) Krueger of Summerfield, NC, Lynda (Glen) Bauer of Inman, SC, and Craig (Nancy) Welsh, of Caledonia; eight grandchildren, Ryan Callan, Kelly Callan, April (Malcolm) Parker, Whitney Welch, Mitchel Welsh, Rachel Welsh, Cole Welsh, and Shaylie Welsh, and one great-grandson, Malcolm Tertius Parker; siblings Kay (Earl) Moore of New Albin, IA, Mary Lou (Bob) Cota of Harpers Ferry, IA, Daniel (Sarah) Welsh of Waukon, IA, Lloyd (Betty) Welsh of Lansing, IA, Bernard (Carolyn) Welsh of Waukon, IA, Ida (Bob) Gonzalves of San Jose, CA, and Jerry (Maralyn) Welsh of Lansing, IA; the Pfiffner and Clem Welch families; and many, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins, who were all waiting for him to join the big euchre tournament in heaven. A mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Gregory Leif and Fr. Edward Lechtenberg will officiate and burial will be at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing, IA following the luncheon. Visitation will be from 4-8pm with a prayer service at 7:30PM Thursday at Holy Family Hall, next to the church. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service Friday at the hall. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Special thanks to our angel in time of need, Sister Michaeline. The Farmer’s Prayer As the old famer sat ‘neath the apple tree, He said, “Lord You’ve sure been good to me!” “All around your handiwork I see, “And I feel so blessed!” “I’ve been fortunate to have a loving, faithful wife,” “And precious children to enhance my life!” “Though I dwell in a world of toil and strife,” “I’m still blessed!” “Lord, I’ve spent a lifetime a plantin’ seed,” “And harvestin’ crops for my family’s needs.” “Through the years I can say indeed,” “I’ve been blessed!” “You’ve sent the sunshine and the rain,” “And tiny seeds became golden grain!” “No wonder I sing the glad refrain,” “Lord, I’m so blessed!” “Lately Lord, my steps are gettin’ slow.” “I don’t have much farther now to go.” “But, I will say when I leave this world below,” “I’ve been blessed!”

ROBERT J. WELSH

June 27, 1924 - February 6, 2012