Virginia Kelchen July 5, 1942 – Nov. 18, 2023

      Virginia Ann Gudenkauf-Kelchen, 81, of Monticello, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Terrace Glen Village in Marion, Iowa.

    Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello, Iowa with interment at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Monticello.   

    Virginia Ann Gudenkauf was born July 5, 1942, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of Leo and Marie (Jaeger) Gudenkauf.  Virginia was united in marriage to Norman Phillip Kelchen on Oct. 13, 1962, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ryan, Iowa.

    Virginia devoted 54 years of her life caring for others as a CNA.  She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Monticello and selflessly volunteered many hours for fundraisers, dinners and creating quilts with the Sacred Heart Quilting Circle. Virginia loved gardening, traveling, camping, quilting, crocheting, baking, and spending time with her family.

    Survivors include Virginia’s husband of 61 years, Phillip Kelchen of Marion; sons, Marv (Sandy) Kelchen, Ron (Shelly) Kelchen and Mark Kelchen, all of Monticello; daughters, Cheryl (Shane) Classen of Orion, Ill., Cindy (Ryan) Stock of Cedar Rapids, Christy (Chris) Arthur of Central City; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Lois (Omer) Fortman of Manchester,  Jeanette Steffen of Peosta, Janet (Bob) Pottebaum of Manchester and Richard (Sharon) Gudenkauf of Dyersville; three beloved sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

    Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Kathleen Hogan, and Mary Hoeger; a brother, Vernon Gudenkauf, as well as several sisters and brothers-in-law.

    In lieu of flowers, financial contributions can be made to the Monticello Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and School.

    Online condolences are welcome at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.