ST. JOHN — Velma Deane Koelsch, 85, died Tuesday, May 17 at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. She was born Nov. 23, 1925 at Stafford, the daughter of Edward Henry and Laura (Fritzemeier) Schneider. A life-long resident of St. John, she was a homemaker, graduate of Stafford High School, worked for Carr Auction and was the past deputy treasurer for Stafford County.
On Sept. 7, 1944 she married Billy J. Koelsch at St. John. He preceded her in death in 2004. Velma was a member of the First Baptist Church and her organizations include: Hesperian Club, Chapter AC-PEO, Mother’s Club, Red Hat Ladies, St. John Hospital Board, Lucille Hall Museum Board and the Victorian Tea Committee.
Survivors include, two sons, Bill Edward Koelsch, St. John, Phillip Koelsch, St. John; a brother, Ervin Schneider, Tribune; six grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. A brother Duane Schneider preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 22 from 1-8 p.m. at Minnis Chapel, St. John. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday at the First Baptist Church, St. John, with Dave Campbell presiding. Burial will be in the Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John. Memorials may be given to the Lucille Hall Museum in care of Minnis Chapel, Box 34, St. John, KS 67576.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Minnis Chapel
Box 34
St. John, KS 67576
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 20, 2011
