JoAnn Marie Welch

   It is with heavy hearts that the family of JoAnn Marie Welch announce her passing on March 30, 2020 at age 84.

   She was born on June 4, 1935 in Armstrong, IA to Boyd and Ola Jane Denison. She graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1953, and then moved to Cedar Rapids, IA where she enrolled in beauty school. She met Arvin and they were married September 13, 1959. They settled in Cedar Rapids and began to raise a family. Arvin worked for Voltmaster and travelled the Midwest and JoAnn became a homemaker and a part-time hairdresser.

   JoAnn spent many summers at their lake house on Holiday Lake, in Brooklyn, IA She enjoyed entertaining both family and friends and took pleasure in having her grandchildren surround her in this special place. JoAnn loved to travel! She would often accompany Arvin on business trips across the country, and around the globe. She perfected the art of shopping and “saving” money at  the various stops by only purchasing the items that were currently “on-sale.”  JoAnn also loved to exercise and was very active in various programs such as Silver Sneakers and the YMCA.  She met many of her dearest friends in these groups.

   JoAnn’s faith was important to her and she loved the many hymns that were a part of the worship experience. The music carried the message and she could often be heard singing with gusto on the songs she loved.

   JoAnn is survived by daughter Lori Thornburg of Altoona, IA; (Justin, 29), son Larry (Marcy) Welch of Dekalb, IL; (Adam, 29 & Katie, 26), and daughter Lisa (Gary) Feaker of Waukee, IA; (Callie, 24; Macy, 22 & Logan, 19) and her sister, Jean (Eugene) Goodman of State Center, IA.

   She was preceded in death by her husband, Arvin Welch, a sister, Evalyn Krause of Cedar Rapids, IA and a brother Larry Denison of Huntley, IL.

   A celebration of life service will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA. 50266 on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m..  JoAnn's service will be live-streamed and can be viewed at: https://hopeonline.tv/specialevents

   Memorials may be sent to the Ernst Funeral Home, PO Box 986, Waukee, IA 50263.