Larry E. Welch

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Larry Elwyn Welch, 85, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Taylor House in Des Moines, Iowa, from complications of Parkinson’s disease. For the past 13 years, Larry endured a long and difficult health journey. He will be remembered for his deep love of God and family, his dedication, his soft heart, his contagious belly laugh, and his unwavering work ethic.

Though later in life brought Larry many challenges, it was also filled with moments of joy, laughter, and abundant love. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Bonnie, and many other loved ones.

Larry was born on November 18, 1939, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Thomas Elwyn and Cherry Welch. He married Bonnie in 1962, and together they built a life full of love and adventure, living in Danville, Des Moines, Radcliffe, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, and West Des Moines. Larry worked as an Iron Worker with Local 67 until his retirement.

He devoted much of his life to his family and community—coaching his children’s youth softball, baseball, and basketball teams, cheering for his favorite teams (the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings), and volunteering alongside Bonnie at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. After retirement, Larry babysat his grandchildren, played co-ed softball with his family, traveled, attended countless school activities, and even founded a youth intramural football program at his daughter’s school. He also enjoyed working at the Jordan Creek Cinemark Theater and helping his son with his fencing and deck business.

Larry loved spending time with family, watching football, fishing, hunting, going to Prairie Meadows and Las Vegas, boating at Uncle Bud’s Cabin, Saylorville Lake, and Table Rock Lake, and playing card and board games. He enjoyed watching TV shows and movies such as Two & a Half Men, Survivor, Big Brother, The Price Is Right, The Godfather, The Green Mile, Clint Eastwood films, war movies, and comedies.

Larry is survived by his children: Larry E. Welch II, Amy (Jeff) Shaw, Stacy Welch, and Chad (Michelle) Welch; 12 grandchildren: Brandon (Ameena) Welch, Larry E. (DeeDee) Welch III, McKenzie (Dom) Jones, Sanibel Louise (Thomas) Garcia, Clayton Welch, Brett Shaw, AJ Shaw (Alyssa), Allison Shaw, Nick (Annie) Stitzell, Bridget (Aaron) Brown, Emma (Taylon) Lanphier, and Mitchell (Tara) Williams; and 18 great-grandchildren: Zane, Sofia, Roman, Gracelyn, Arianna, Lyla, Lillian, Lexii, Samira, Elise, Mae, Josiah, Harper, Hazel, Ellie, Vinnie, Paislee, and Layton. He is also survived by his siblings, Helen (Earl) Ragan, Dolly Greene, and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Louise Welch; his parents, Thomas and Cherry Welch; his brothers,Gary and Donald Welch; and his daughter -in -law, Becky Welch.

We hold onto the precious memories and cherish the time we shared. Rest in peace, Larry. Your spirit and love will forever remain in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life for both Bonnie and Larry was held in April 2025.

Memorial donations may be made to Iowa National Alliance of Mental Illness or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in loving memory of Larry.

Condolences may be shared at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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