Walch, Betty L.

Betty L. Walch was born May 18, 1922, the daughter of John L. Costigan and Gertrude (Smith) Costigan of Elkport, Iowa. She died Nov. 10, 2011, at Central Community Hospital in Elkader.

She graduated president of her senior class from Clarke College in Dubuque in 1943, with a degree in dietetics. She was also a member of Who's Who among American College Students. In 1944, she enlisted in the United States Navy and served as an occupational therapist for two years in New York City and San Francisco.

She then taught for two years in Elgin and Elkport. Later on in life she also taught home economics at Central Community High School in Elkader.

On Nov. 6, 1948, she married Thomas J. Walch of Elkader. They had four children.

Betty enjoyed fine food and wine, traveling, crossword puzzles, and playing bridge with friends at the Country Club. She was a talented artist and seamstress. Betty was an avid reader and served on the Elkader Public Library board for 40 years. She was a long time member of the Elkader Historical Society.

Betty is survived by four children: Mary Anne David, Omaha, Neb.; Susan Pohlmann (Lee), Davenport; Jim Walch, Elkader; and Tom Walch (Lisa), La Crosse, Wis.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; her brother, Clark Costigan; and sister, Dorothy Oberfell.

A memorial has been established with the Elkader Historical Society.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elkader, with the Very Rev. Paul R. Peters as celebrant. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader, where there will be a rosary at 4. Interment: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Elkader.

Leonard Funeral Home in Elkader is in charge of arrangements.

Published Nov. 13, 2011, in The Gazette