Darlene Welch

Darlene “Peachy Mae” Welch fell asleep peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, surrounded by her many loved ones on her cherished family farm. Peachy is now resting in Jehovah God’s memory until she can be resurrected with her beloved husband, Donald.

Darlene was born on November 10th, 1934, in Black Creek to Glen and Anna Smith. She was married to Donald on September 19, 1953. Together they raised two sons, Kenneth and Ronald. Darlene then went on to help her boys raise their kids when she became Grand”mother” to 8, Great Grandma to 21, and Great-Great Grandma to 4.

Darlene made her dedication to Jehovah God 75 years ago on July 20, 1950. She was a strong woman of faith and integrity that many who knew her strive to follow. Peachy was an exemplary partner and complement to Don as they ran the family farm, passing on a strong work ethic that has proven hard to duplicate. Darlene also loved being a homemaker and showing hospitality. Her door was always open with food ready to offer. She even hand-fed the chickens when they came to visit her on her back porch or in the front yard.

In Darlene’s last weeks she was tremendously grateful for all of the heartfelt visits and love extended to her. She bragged repeatedly to others about being so blessed to receive so much love and care. She couldn’t say “thank you so much” enough, for even the smallest gesture. We always loved to hear her “Wow” and knew just what she meant in that moment, even though it had many different meanings. True to her personality, Peachy kept everyone laughing right up until the very end. May we all find peace in sweet memories and good stories as we eagerly await creating new ones in the future paradise earth just around the corner.

Darlene is survived by her sons, Kenneth (Tammy), Ronald “Toby” (Sue); grandchildren Heather (Paul) Nelson, Paul Welch, Bruce (Ash-Leigh) Welch; Sonja (Hal) Murray, Lacey Welch, Desire’e (Justin) Murray, Candice (Greg) Marcks, Emily (Richard) Baumgartner; Chad (Stacey) Reeves, Kyle (Hope) Reeves, Hunter Sagel, Kelly Miller, Bill (Amanda) Kettelwell; many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and step grandchildren; brothers Robert “Bob” Smith, John “Jack” (Mary) Smith and many nieces and nephews.

Darlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband Donald; her parents, Glen and Anna Smith; brothers Lee and Tom Smith, sister Judy Donahue; Donald’s parents Jesse and Alma; daughter-in-law Nancy; brothers-in-law Warren Welch and Pat Donahue; sisters-in-law Lana Welch, Agnes, Karen, and Mary Smith; one niece and one nephew.

“For since death came through a man, resurrection of the dead also comes through a man. For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.” -1 Corinthians 15:21, 22

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 7th, 2025, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. and the service held at 3:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at N3285 County Rd. D New London, WI 54961.

If you are unable to attend, please use the following Zoom information to observe online: Meeting ID: 303 420 065 & Password: 776064