Rita Welter

CEDAR FALLS – Rita M. Welter of Cedar Falls, age 97 died peacefully in her sleep at Care Initiatives Hospice in Cedar Falls on Friday, October 13th. Rita was born in North Washington, Iowa on July 13, 1927, daughter of Ben and Frances Gebel. Rita met her husband, Bob, in Waterloo as he was preparing to reenlist in the Marine Corps to return to Korea. Mr. Welter and Rita Gebel were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington on April 20, 1953, and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary just prior to her husband’s passing in April of 2015. Rita farmed with her husband north of Cedar Falls, raising their four children on the farm before retiring to Western Home Communities. Rita and her husband especially loved attending and supporting their children and grandchildren at their many activities. Rita was a caring, loving and supportive mother and wife. Her passions included cooking and baking for her family and friends, and caring for those she loved. Rita was also an avid card player who enjoyed fellowship with her card partners at Western Home Communities. Rita is survived by her children, Dave Welter of Cedar Falls, Jeff Welter of Ankeny, Iowa, Mike (Kathy) Welter of Cedar Falls and Nancy (Tony) Lynch of Clinton, Ill.; 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, (Ben and Frances Gebel) two brothers (Donald and Virgil), and a sister (Rose). Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Service (615 Main St, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613) on Wednesday evening, October 18th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church (705 Main Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613) at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 19th with burial following at Greenwood Cemetery, with a luncheon following at the church. Memorials in lieu of flowers: Rita and her family would welcome memorial donations to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church to be used to support Catholic Education in the Parish. Memorials may be directed in Rita’s name at this address: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 705 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. The family would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to Western Home Communities and Care Initiatives Hospice for the gentle and loving care they provided our mother.

Rita Welter

July 13, 1927 - October 13, 2023