Irene Ella Welch

Irene Ella (Krueger) Welch, 86, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Irene was born on August 20, 1938, in Utica, Nebraska, to Paul and Matilda (Schmidt) Krueger. She graduated from Utica High School in 1956 and went on to further her education at the American Business Institute of Lincoln Nebraska. After completing her education, she worked at the State Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska.

On April 6, 1958, Irene married Gary Welch in Utica, Nebraska. Together, they moved from Lincoln and Ashland, Nebraska, to Leadville, Colorado, where they built a home and raised their family over the course of 56 years.

During her time in Leadville, Irene worked at the Leadville Medical Center, the Climax Infirmary, was an executive assistant at the Westin Hotel in Vail and retired from Mountain BOCES in Leadville to finish her career.

Irene was a passionate and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was known for her warmth, kindness, and deep love for her family. She enjoyed playing bridge, golf, sewing and was an avid baker. Music was another of Irene’s great joys. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved to share her talent with others.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother George and her son Brent. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gary Welch, her children Reba (John) Neufeld, Kyle (Susan) Welch of Leadville, CO, Sean (Kate) Welch, of Lecompton, KS; grandchildren Karyn Neufeld, Kaylee (Dano) Aldaz, Chelsea (Jimmy) Warne, Jesse (Kara) Kissell, Krislyn (Davis) Smestad, Tess Welch (Ben Powell), William and Maddy Welch; great-grandchildren Ashlee and Taylor Ebuna, DeAnna and Dawson Aldaz, Madalyn Warne, Riggs Kissell, and Emersyn Smestad. A memorial service to celebrate Irene’s life will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 530 W. 8th St. in Leadville, Colorado at 11:00am on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Reception to follow at the Elks Lodge at 123 W 5th St, Leadville, CO.

She will be remembered for her loving spirit, her devotion to family, and the lasting impact she made on everyone she met.