Keith E. Welch, 85, of DeWitt, Iowa (formerly of Delmar) a beloved husband of 60 years, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2023, in DeWitt, Iowa. Born on November 28, 1937, in Center Junction, Iowa. He was the son of Herman Suel and Beulah Mae (McNamee) Welch.

Keith was a proud graduate of Monticello High School and served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. Upon his return, he married Carol Leinbaugh on January 5, 1963 in Lost Nation, Iowa. Three children were born to this union, Nancy, Steve, and Karen.

Keith worked briefly at Clinton Engines and J.I. Case in Davenport before finding his true calling in farming. He farmed in the Lost Nation area for many years, retiring in 2004. Even in retirement, Keith continued to serve his community, working as a greeter at Walmart in Maquoketa.

Keith was a devoted member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation, where he had formerly served as a trustee. He was also a member of the Menzo Widle American Legion Post #381 of Lost Nation as well as a former member of the Delmar Lions Club. Keith’s interests were as varied as they were passionate. He enjoyed farming, deer hunting, fishing, and going to stock car races. Above all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

Keith leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication. He is survived by his wife, Carol Welch of DeWitt, IA; children, Nancy Orloski of Delmar, IA, and Steve (Carmen) Welch of Cedar Rapids, IA; seven grandchildren, Kyle (and fiancée Aubreigh) Orloski, Emily Orloski, Elizabeth (Jonathan) Beck, Maria Welch, Ted (Kayla) Welch, Greg Welch, and Rob Welch; two great-grandchildren, Cayden Conrad and Alexander Beck; and sisters, Wanda Cass of Maquoketa, IA, Beverly Kemp of Maquoketa, IA, and Mary Binns of Maquoketa, IA. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Karen.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Friday, November 3, 2023, at Union Presbyterian Church in Lost Nation.  Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 P.M., Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at the Lost Nation, Iowa Cemetery with military honors. A luncheon will be served at the Lost Nation Legion Hall immediately following the burial.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Keith E. Welch memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.