2025
Gretchen Jo Welk, 50, of Rossville, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, after a courageous battle.
Born May 7, 1975, in Lafayette, Indiana, Gretchen was the beloved daughter of Ron and the late Cheryl McClary Larson. She was a proud graduate of Rossville High School, Class of 1993, and earned her degree in Elementary Education from Purdue University in 1997. In 1999, she completed her master’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, the same year she married the love of her life, Randy Welk, on May 1.
A dedicated educator, Gretchen began her teaching career at Frankfort Middle School and Rossville Schools before finding her home at Carroll Elementary in 2016, where she taught first grade. Known for her nurturing spirit and unwavering commitment to her students, she served as grade level leader and was honored multiple times as CES Cougar of the Month. Her impact on young lives extended beyond the classroom. Gretchen was someone students gravitated toward, always offering a smile, a hug, and a listening ear.
Gretchen’s life was rooted in faith, family, and service. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and teacher. She wholeheartedly supported her sons Grady and Cooper in their athletic pursuits, serving as “football team mom” and organizing countless team dinners and events. Her presence was one of warmth, generosity, and love.
As a young woman, Gretchen was crowned Clinton County Fair Queen and named Miss Congeniality in 1992. She was active in 4H and FFA, participating in livestock, woodworking, baking, and more. A member of the Rossville High School dance team, Gretchen carried the same grace and energy throughout her life.
Gretchen’s legacy is one of kindness, selflessness, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Her sister Griffin shared that children seemed to instinctively seek out Gretchen’s comfort, no matter the time or place, a reflection of her servant’s heart.
Gretchen is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Randy Welk; their sons Grady (Emma) Welk and Cooper Welk; her father Ron Larson; sister Griffin (Kevin) Morgan; brother Greg Larson; nieces Tory (Kody) Morris and Cassity (Brett) Piatt; nephew Hayden Welk; and four great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Cheryl Larson.
Friends are invited to visit with the Welk Family on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 4:30pm to 8:30pm at the Carroll High School Fieldhouse. A Celebration of Gretchen’s Life will be held at the same location on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 1:30pm, officiated by Larry Miller. Please enter through the Fieldhouse doors. Burial to follow at Geetingsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any money you would spend on flowers please donate in Gretchen’s memory to the Carroll Education Foundation, with “Gretchen Welk” noted in the memo line, or the Rossville School, doing the same thing. Make checks payable to RCSD for checks to Rossville School.
The Welk Family wants to create scholarships for both schools in Gretchen Welk’s memory.
Visit www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel is honored to serve the Welk Family.
Condolences for the family 09
Joyce Simpson
May 7, 2025 9:54 pm ·So sorry she was a good teacher and a good friend loved sitting at those cold football games with them the family is well loved and very good people inside and out God has gained and Angel 😇 loved you Gretchen until we meet again Love for Randy and the boys
Taylor Reece (Butch)
May 8, 2025 11:29 am ·Gretchen was a great teacher, friend, and mentor to me as a student of hers at Rossville. I will always remember her letting me take my study hall in her classroom and we would just laugh and laugh the whole hour. I will never forget the support and love she gave me. Sending prayers and love to Randy and their sons.
Robyn Giancola
May 9, 2025 1:34 pm ·This was very well put. She was a great combination of faith grace and beauty.
I will never forget how kind she always was to every single person that she has ever met. 🙏
Kathy emens
May 9, 2025 2:02 pm ·She was a piece of my heart and her family. I watched her grow up to be a beautiful loving women she will always be near my heart and prayers she will always be missed by her loving family and friends. God with care for her love you
Ellen Mosson
May 9, 2025 2:26 pm ·This description of Gretchen in 💯 correct. She was all these characteristics and more. I give my sincere condolences to the family. My heart is breaking for you all. She will always have a warm place in my heart. Prayers for comfort and peace knowing she is suffering no more. Love always, Ellen Mosson
Carol Dishon
May 9, 2025 3:46 pm ·I have such fond memories growing up down the road from Gretchen when we were kids…riding on the bus together, 4-H meetings, riding our bikes to Geetingsville church for Bible School. She was always smiling and so friendly! A true friend to everyone. I’ll be praying for the Welk and Larson families during this difficult time. May God’s peace and love surround you.
Ty and Sara Metzger
May 9, 2025 5:14 pm ·Gretchen was such a nice person, and that’s what stands out even decades since the last time we saw her. We hope all the Welks and Larsons can be embraced by her wonderful memory and the legacy of her kindness.
Diana Huffer Schutz
May 9, 2025 7:49 pm ·Ron, Randy and Family
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Daughter,Wife,and Mother! Jim and I send our deepest sympathies to you all!
Jim and Diana ( Huffer) Schutz
Ashley Gamboa
May 13, 2025 10:43 am ·Mrs. Welk – my favorite Math teacher at Rossville. She always would light up the classroom and make us all feel so good.
My condolences to her family, thoughts go out to each of you. She was such a blessing to all.
May you rest in peace.
Ashley
Leave a Condolence
Please share your message of condolence with the family. It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published.