"My thoughts and prayers have been with you all this past week. I am so sorry I could not attend the visitation or funeral as Alice was always very special to me. Her picture made me smile...what a wonderful woman in so many ways. May your many fond memories provide comfort in the difficult days ahead. "
In loving memory of
Alice A. Kelch
March 3, 2010
Interment: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery ~ Corwith, Iowa
Alice Ann Kelch was born on January 16, 1912, to Louis and Theresa Friedrich Schaller in Wisches, France. The family came to Webster City, Iowa in July of 1913. Later they moved to the Kanawha, Iowa area.
Alice graduated from the Kanawha High School in 1930, and then attended college in Iowa Falls, Iowa to become a teacher in a rural school.
Alice was married to Arthur W. Kelch on June 19, 1934, in the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Corwith, Iowa. To this marriage there were seven children born.
Alice was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wesley, Iowa. She was also a faithful member of the Corwith Women's Club, Royal Neighbors and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She loved gardening, doing art work, quilting and shopping.
Alice died on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Park Place Long Term Care Unit in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. She was 98.
Surviving are her children, Margaret (Donald) Wood, Indianola, Iowa, Eugene (Sharon) Kelch, Algona, Iowa, Donna (Larry) Maher, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Duane (Ruth Ann) Kelch, Hampton, Iowa, Gerald Kelch, Washington, D.C. and David (Mary Beth) Kelch Iowa City, Iowa. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, her sister, Helen DeSart of Lake City, Iowa and 20 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, infant son, James, her parents, siblings, Madeline Sloan, Mary Hanlon, Louis Schaller, Renee Schaller and Robert Schaller.
A Memorial Fund will be established at the Corwith Community Library in her memory.
Tributes
"To the Kelch Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know that your many happy memories with help you through this sad time. Alice was such a special lady to everyone, but espically me. I spent so many happy times at your house. Margaret and I are still "best friends". Love to All, Rita Gray/Burgess"
"Beautiful picture of your Mom. I will remember her as a gracious lady with a beautiful smile.I connect seeing her weekly at St. Marys Church. I like to recall Corwith folks like the Kelch family and experiences I enjoyed while I was living there. May the memories of the yesterdays be a comfort to you today in your sorrow. I extend my sympathy to each of you, and you are in my prayers. From Audrey Walmsley 03/08/2010 "
"To the Kelch family, Sorry for the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers go to all of you. Tracy Gourley and family"
"Our love and sympathy to the whole family. Sorry we won't be able to travel back to Iowa for the funeral, but know that we loved Alice very much. God bless you all during this time, but we rejoice that she is at peace and happily reunited with so many loved ones. We know the reunion was a joyous one! Love, Patty & Steve and family"
"To the family of Alice Kelch My deepest sympathy to you all at this time. What a pleasure it was for me to take care of Alice when she was in Algona. She was a special lady and I know you will miss her deeply. Take care of each other now... my love to you Lara"