Lorene Welch

Lorene Welch, 99, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, from her daughter's house in St. Louis.

Lorene was known for her beautiful smile and her pleasant, loving personality. She had many friends and was only three months away from her 100th birthday. She was born March 14, 1924, to Ida and Edwin Hoffman in Cape Girardeau.

She graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1941 and attended business college. After graduating from the college, she went to work as a secretary.

Lorene married Eugene Welch in 1946. Together they had a daughter, Brenda, in May 1947.

After her husband's death, Lorene returned to Cape Girardeau and went to work at Colonial Federal Savings and Loan. She ended her long working career as an office manager for Edward Jones under Bob Etherton and Debbie Etherton.

Lorene remained a member of Grace United Methodist Church throughout most of her life. She enjoyed being a member of the church choir for over 25 years and was an active member of United Methodist Women.

Surviving Lorene are her daughter, Brenda; two grandsons, Jason (Melody) Wagstaff and Steve Wagstaff; two great-grandchildren, Sebastion and Scarlett Wagstaff; a sister, Shirley (Ray) Drury; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were here parents, Ida and Edwin Hoffman; husband, Eugene Welch; sister, Hilda Harrington; and son-in-law, Dennis Wagstaff.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the funeral home, with Pastor Linda Gastreich officiating. Internment will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace United Methodist Church are appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.