John Raymond Welchans

John Raymond Welchans, 75, of Farragut, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023, at his home.

John was born on July 3, 1947 in Omaha, NE; the son of Raymond D. and Mary Ruth (Merris) Welchans. He attended school in Farragut and graduated from Farragut High School with the Class of 1965. He later attended Iowa State University before returning to Farragut and enlisting in the National Guard.

On December 12, 1969, he was united in marriage to Lauraine Withrow in Des Moines, IA. To this union, four children were born: Kate, Kevin, Craig, and Kari.

John enjoyed staying busy and working with his hands. He was a long-time farmer around the Farragut community and enjoyed working on the family farm. He also worked for many years in Shenandoah for Eaton Manufacturing in the maintenance department where he was known for his ability to fix anything. He also owned and operated C&M hardware in Farragut, and was a former member of the Elks Club.

He is survived by his wife, Lauraine Welchans of Farragut; children: Kate (Louis) Murphy of Ardmore, OK, Kevin (Rachel) Welchans of Ft. Collins, CO, Craig Welchans of Essex, IA, and Kari (Jim) Martin of Shenandoah, IA; nine grandchildren; other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Welchans, mother, Mary Ruth Welchans and a brother Jim Welchans.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Shenandoah Schools FFA program.

Gude Funeral Homes of Hamburg and Riverton, IA are in charge of arrangements.

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