Jean L. Welsh, 89, of Elkader, died Monday, January 7, 2019, at the Elkader Care Center. She was born April 7, 1929, at Osborne, Iowa, to Henry W. “Butch” and Erna A. (Osborne) Reinhardt. Jean graduated from high school and received a two year degree from Cornell College.
She was united in marriage to Leon Welsh. Together the couple farmed and milked cows. She became Clayton County Recorder, a position she held for 53 years. Jean played the organ at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader for 55 years – A “job” she loved and excelled at.
Jean loved to travel and her famous quote “If the bus is rolling, I’m on it!” Of course, that would include “one of the girls”, Julie, Mary or JoAnn. If they were not traveling, they were playing cards or Mexican train. She had a special place in her heart for nature – dogs in particular and thoroughly loved feeding and watching the birds. She will be remembered as a lady who had a smile for everyone, lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed all of her friends, especially those at Gene’s Place.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
She is survived by her nephew and his wife, Mike and Becky Welsh and two grand-nieces, Jody Courtney and Jill Nolte.
Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, January 11, 2019, at Peace United Church of Christ, Elkader.
Visitation: 3 to 6 PM Thursday, January 10, 2019, and after 10 AM on Friday, all at the Church.
Inurnment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com