Vigen Memorial Home obituary - John B. Welsh, 72, of Argyle

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John Beryl Welsh, 72, of Argyle, IA died Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA.

     He was born September 7, 1948 in Keokuk, IA the son of Richard and Marjorie Kimball Welsh.

     John graduated from Central Lee High School in Donnellson, IA with the Class of 1966.  He furthered his education at Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO and earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology. 

John was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

     On April 3, 1976 John was first married to Barbara Bloyd.  She preceded him in death on December 20, 1991.  He later married Nellie M. Smith on December 13, 1997 in Keokuk. She survives.

     Other survivors include two daughters, Nicole Apgar (Chris) of Burlington, IA and Marjorie Welsh (Marcia MacInnis) of Plymouth, MA, two step-children, Erin Whaley (Chris) of Keokuk and Justin Williams (Sarah) of North Liberty, IA, seven step-grandchildren, Samantha, Elizabeth and Gavin Congdon, Matthew and Rebecca Whaley and Ethan and Kailey Williams.  He is also survived by one brother, Charlie Welsh of Montrose, IA, two sisters-in-law, Jeannie and Mary Welsh both of Montrose, IA and two nephews, Josh Welsh and Shane Hitchcock.

     Besides his first wife Barb, John was also preceded in death by one son, Patrick Welsh, one brother, Gary Welsh and his father-in-law, Everett Smith.

     John had been employed by Sheller Globe in Keokuk for forty-two years, until his retirement in 2011.

     He was a member of Living Waters Assembly of God and had served on the church board.  He was also a member of the UAW Union.

     John enjoyed fishing, riding horses and collecting guns.  John’s two dogs, Bella and Lucy were his loyal and faithful companions.  He also enjoyed spending time with his father-in-law.  John was a great man and will be missed and continually loved by his family and friends.  

     A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the Living Waters Assembly of God Church in Keokuk with Reverend Larry Wallingford officiating.  Burial with military rites will be held in the Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk.  Social distancing requirements will be in place and masks are required at the church. The service will be live streamed on John’s tribute wall on the Vigen Memorial Home webpage.

     Visitation will be held after 2 p.m., Tuesday, at the church with family meeting with friends from 6-8 p.m. 

     Memorials may be made to the Living Waters Assembly of God.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com         

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