Evelyn F. Welch, 85 of Springfield, died at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Evelyn was born June 28, 1918 in Springfield, the daughter of Frank and Veronika Valentanovich Stimburis. She married Kostie Welch (Wilcauskis) in 1936; he preceded her in death in 1966. She later married Brone Welch in 1968; he preceded her in death in 1989. (Kostie might have been the son of Paul Wilcauskis, 1882-1941).
Evelyn had been employed by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office and also Sangamo Electric. She and her husband operated the Skyrocket Inn in Springfield, as well as Welch’s Tavern. She operated, at one time, Welch’s Corner at 11th & Laurel, and her family also operated Capitol Foodmarket in Springfield.
Evelyn was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Blessed Sacrament Altar & Rosary Society, Sacred Heart League of Walls, Miss., AARP, Homemakers Extension (Clinton Ark), Lithuanian/American Club. She was also preceded in death by two sons: Robert in 1988 and Donald in 1992. She is survived by daughters-in-law: E. Jeanne Welch of Villa Grove and Phyllis Welch of Springfield; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two nephews and several nieces including, Mary Jo Welch of Springfield.
A memorial mass will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2004 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Rev. Msgr. Kevin Vann celebrant. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, Springfield Office, 6 Drawbridge Road, Suite 4, Springfield, IL 62704. The family of Evelyn F. Welch is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.

Joseph P. Welch of 96 Fox Mill Lane died in 1959 at the age of 51. He was born in 1908, the son of Paul and Mary Welch. He was a Navy Veteran of World War II and had lived in Springfield for 49 years. Mr. Welch was the former president of the Raydine Corp, and former owner of the Saddle Club and Empire Hotel. He was surved by his wife, Mary Margaret, a daughter, Mary Jo, and three brothers, Kostie, Peter and Paul Welch, and a sister, Mrs. Nancy Fisher, all of Springfield, as well as several nieces and nephews.
(The brother of Kostie Welch, Joseph might have been the son of Paul Wilcauskis, 1882-1941.)