Kirsten Karen Welch

Age 40 of Joliet, Illinois, passed from this life peacefully at Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, with her loving father by her side. 

Kirsten was born August 31, 1982 at Morris Hospital to James F. Welch and Karen E. (Themer) Fabian. She was raised and educated in Morris and attended Morris schools. Kirsten will be remembered for her independent spirit and artistic talents, and her incredible love of animals, especially her feline companion, Koiter. After battling addiction for over half her life which finally claimed her body, may her spirit be at peace, free at last from its chains. 

Survivors include her parents, Jim Welch of Morris and Karen (Ed) Fabian of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania; one grandmother, Barb Stutzman; one sister, Erika Welch (Richard Sanches) of Morris, and one brother, Thomas McGowan of Wyanet, Illinois; one niece, Sophia Sanches, and one aunt, Becky (the late Mike) Morfey, and one uncle, Rich Kraus; numerous cousins, and her boyfriend, Bradley Rhodes.

Kirsten was preceded in death by her grandparents: Frank and Margie Welch and Arthur and Gerda Themer; two aunts, Peggy Welch Kraus and Donna Sue Welch, and one uncle, Dick Welch; and one cousin, Tina Davidson. 

Cremation rites are being accorded, and the family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of Illinois Route 47), in Morris from 4:00 p.m. until the time of memorial service, 7:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Steve Larson.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Kirsten’s memorial page via social media. 

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815) 942-2500.