Joan E. (Gordon) Welch

Joan E. (Gordon) Welch, 69, of Winterset, Iowa, died Sunday, August 13, 2017, at her sister’s residence in Winterset. Graveside services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, August 17, 2017, at the Winterset Cemetery with Pastor Mike Albert officiating. Joan was born on December 21, 1947, at Denver, Colorado to Zane and Esther (Schmidt) Gordon. She was married on January 16, 1988, to Paul Welch. She has been a resident of Winterset since 1967. Joan was elected Madison County Auditor for seven terms (from 1984 to 2012), was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and spent several years working with the 4-H horse project. For several years, Joan made pies for the county fair 4-H booth as a fundraiser. One year she made over ninety pies. She loved riding and raising horses. Joan’s other love was making quilts. She made them for family members and entered several at the county fair and Covered Bridge Festival quilt shows. Joan always looked forward to the annual family trip to Teton National Park and Yellow Stone National Park. For several years, Joan and family would take time and make a trip to Lake Osakis, Minnesota for a week of family fun and fishing. Joan would get so excited when she would catch a fish, regardless of the size or species. Family activities were very important to Joan. She enjoyed exploring her family’s genealogy. Joan is survived by her husband, Paul Welch of Winterset; children, Wendy Ory of Winterset, Matt Ory of Winterset, and Patricia (Eric) Marshall of Winterset; sister, Jean Thompson of Winterset; brothers, Dean (Judy) Gordon of Aurora, Colorado, Bruce Gordon of Littleton, Colorado, and Zane Arthur Gordon of Littleton, Colorado; grandchildren, Karadie Ory, Bailee Ory, Gaile (Joe) Funaro, and Ryan Welch, and great grandchildren, Adyson, Camden, and Ruby Funaro. She was preceded in death by her parents, Zane and Esther (Schmidt) Gordon. No visitation is scheduled. Per Joan’s request, a graveside service will be held with a luncheon to follow at the American Legion Hall for a time of reflection and sharing personal memories. Memorials may be directed to HCI Hospice, Stepping Stones Daycare Center Activity Fund, or the American Legion Auxiliary. Funeral arrangements are being handled by McCalley-Collins Funeral Home in Winterset. Online condolences may be left at www.mccalleyfuneralhome.com.