Walter John Welch

Walter Welch, 83, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Walter was born on October 29, 1940, to Oscar and Dorothy (Breyenton) Welch in Des Moines, Iowa.

Walter was the third of three children. He attended Des Moines Technical High School and was part of the 1959 graduating class. He then joined the Navy, where he served on active duty for four years and was stationed on the USS Sperry in California, followed by two years in the reserves. On October 20, 1962, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Cora Couch. Walter began his career as a machinist with Meredith Corporation in 1964 where he worked for 27 years. He later worked for Welch Patterns, as well as Downey Printing, where he retired in 2003. Walter was a man devoted to family, and he also served as a Mason at Southgate Lodge. Walter loved to make people laugh, he had a great sense of humor and his own unique Dad-joke style. He enjoyed playing and watching golf, was a fan of car racing, and in recent years, was a part of the KC Chiefs Kingdom.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife, Cora; children, Christina (Gary) Schnieders and Michael Welch; grandchildren, Jessica (Tom) Powell, Dustin Shannon, Emily (Josh) Adamson, and Grace Welch; great grandson, Paxton Peterson, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Walter is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Dorothy Welch; sister, Dorothy May Keehn; and twin brother, William Welch.

Family will be greeting friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Gardens in Des Moines. A luncheon will be following the burial at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Walter.

Condolences may be expressed at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

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