Kathleen Mary (Kiefer) Welsh

Kathleen Mary (Kiefer) Welsh

December 27, 1944 – February 28, 2024

Kathleen Mary Kiefer Welsh, of Omaha, Nebraska, peacefully passed away Tuesday February 28, 2024, surrounded by family. She was born to Donald Kiefer and Catherine Kiefer Harvey on December 27, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Did you know, Kathleen, nicknamed by her dad as “Cookie” grew up in Omaha, where her favorite thing as a kid was playing on the trapeze and rings on the backyard swing set. She graduated from Cathedral High School and attended Duchesne College for two years. While in high school, she was an original member of the Brandeis Teen Fashion Board, which later became her first real job.

On April 23, 1966, Kathleen married the love of her life, Michael Welsh at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska. Fun fact: when mom was asked about her first car, she was nineteen, and Mike bought her a 1956 Oldsmobile, two-tone, cream and purple for $25.00.

In June of 1971, Mike and Kathie moved to a farm in Springfield, Nebraska, where they raised their 4 children, Michelle (Joe, Annie, Jack), Rosie (Mark, Emily, Renee & Joe S.), Kevin (Heather, Mackenzie, Cassidy, Landon), and Tom (Trista, Jenny, Aidan, Elizabeth). While living in Springfield, Kathie was actively involved in 4-H, school activities, and the Misfits Extension Club.

Kathie loved her children and grandchildren dearly, and always supported them in all of their activities. Her passions included cooking, gardening, sewing, book club, doll club, collecting dolls, and building her Loved-to-Pieces Doll Repair business. Kathie’s favorite holiday tradition was celebrating Christmas with her family every year. She spent the days leading up to the holiday, shopping (all year long), cooking, decorating, and wrapping gifts for every single person.

When we asked mom what were the five things she was most grateful for she said, good parents, good childhood and schools, having the best husband, good friends, and kids that are wonderful adults.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Don Kiefer and Catherine Kiefer Harvey. She is survived by her husband, Michael Welsh; children and their spouses; grandchildren; and her siblings, Rosy, Tom, and Bill.

VISITATION: Monday, March 4, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m., West Center Chapel.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, March 5th, 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Springfield, NE, with a luncheon to follow.

Private Family Interment at later date.  Any memorials in the form of monetary donations will go directly to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Springfield Nebraska.

To view a live broadcast of the Services, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.