Evelyn F. Welch

Evelyn F. Welch, 85 of Springfield, died at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Evelyn was born June 28, 1918 in Springfield, the daughter of Frank and Veronika Valentanovich Stimburis. She married Kostie Welch in 1936; he preceded her in death in 1966. She later married Brone Welch in 1968; he preceded her in death in 1989. Evelyn had been employed by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office and also Sangamo Electric. She and her husband operated the Skyrocket Inn in Springfield, as well as Welch’s Tavern. She operated at one time Welch’s Corner at 11th & Laurel and her family also operated Capitol Foodmarket in Springfield. Evelyn was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Blessed Sacrament Altar & Rosary Society, Sacred Heart League of Walls, Miss., AARP, Homemakers Extension (Clinton Ark), Lithuanian/American Club. She was also preceded in death by two sons: Robert in 1988 and Donald in 1992. She is survived by daughters-in-law: E. Jeanne Welch of Villa Grove and Phyllis Welch of Springfield; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two nephews and several nieces including, Mary Jo Welch of Springfield. A memorial mass will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2004 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Msgr. Kevin Vann celebrant. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, Springfield Office, 6 Drawbridge Road, Suite 4, Springfield, IL 62704. The family of Evelyn F. Welch is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.