Kathleen Jean VanWieren

Kathleen Jean VanWieren, cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on March 14, 1954, in Ohio, she spent her life bringing joy and love to those around her.
Kathleen was a woman of many passions, with a deep love for music that defined much of her life. An avid fan of The Beatles, she found joy in their melodies and often shared her enthusiasm for their music with friends and family. Her love for singing and musicals was infectious, and she could often be found humming a tune or singing along with the radio. Above all, Kathleen was a loving mother and grandmother, whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met.
She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, William Gilmore Welch and Bettydale Marks Welch. Kathleen leaves behind a devoted family who will forever cherish her memory: her children, Steven VanWieren and his fiancée Earl Kinnin, and Kim Groninger and her partner Charlie Eubanks; her siblings, Tom Welch, Suzie Hicks, Jenny Welch, and Ricky Welch; and her adored grandchildren, Autumn Groninger, Athena VanWieren, and Helena VanWieren. She is also survived by her former husband, Larry VanWieren, as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Kathleen's life will be celebrated at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the joy she brought into their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who knew Kathleen to share a song or a story in her memory, keeping her spirit alive through the music she loved so dearly. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen, please visit our floral store.