Bonnie Louise Welch

Bonnie Louise (Laughman) Welch, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, 81, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at her daughter’s home after a long journey with heart disease. Up until the end, Bonnie fought hard to be there for others. She will be remembered for her love, dedication, humor, sense of style, and for her resiliency.

Bonnie was born June 14, 1943 in Farrar, Iowa. Her parents were Esther Irene and Don Laughman. She attended Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa. Bonnie married Larry Welch in 1962. They lived in various cities and states throughout their marriage including Davenport, Des Moines, Radcliffe, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Clinton Missouri and West Des Moines. Bonnie worked for the US West Phone Company for many years. She attended Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines where she volunteered with her husband when they were both able to do so. After retirement, Bonnie dedicated her time to babysitting grandchildren, traveling, and frequenting diners for breakfast. For the last several years, Bonnie has been a full-time caretaker for her husband as his health concerns limited his abilities.

Bonnie enjoyed volunteering at her children’s softball and baseball games by keeping score in the dugout. She also liked boating at Uncle Bud’s Cabin, Saylorville Lake and Table Rock Lake. Bonnie’s other hobbies included spending time with family, going to Prairie Meadows, traveling, playing card games, watching TV, planting flowers, and shopping for new outfits. It was rare for Bonnie to not be looking her best. She was told by her doctor that if she made herself look good, then she would feel good. Bonnie lived by that and always dazzled when she walked into a room.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Larry Elwyn Welch; her children, Larry E. Welch, II, Amy (Jeff) Shaw, Stacy Welch, and Chad (Michelle) Welch; her 9 grandchildren, Brandon (Ameena) Welch, Larry E. (DeeDee) Welch, III, McKenzie (Dom) Jones, Sanibel Louise (Thomas) Garcia, Clayton Welch, Brett Shaw, AJ Shaw (Alyssa), Allison Shaw, and Nick (Annie) Stitzell; her great-grandchildren, Zane, Sofia, Roman, Arianna, Lyla, Lillian, Lexii, Samira, Elise, Mae, and Josiah; her siblings, Phyllis Clark and Jay Laughman; and several extended family members.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Laughman; father, Donald Laughman; sister, Donna Dehner; brothers, Gayle and Lanny Laughman; and daughter-in-law, Becky Welch.

A Celebration of Life will be held for her in the Spring of 2025.

Bonnie elected to have her body donated to the University of Iowa for scientific study for doctors to learn more about complicated heart disease treatments.

Memorial donations can be made to University of Iowa Hospitals Research and Education.

Condolences can be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print