Fred Welch

Frederick Raymond Welch, age 78 of Sheridan passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids.

He was born October 31, 1938 the son of Leo “Bud” & Cora Lucille (Collins) Welch in Vestaburg. They along with one son, William Fredrick Welch have preceded him in death.

Fred is survived by his life partner, Andrea Packer of Greenville; daughter, Theresa Martin of Jamestown, North Dakota; sons, Mike (Denise) Welch of Tampa, Florida, Bryan (Kim) Welch of Kalamazoo, Joe (Julie) Welch of Stanton; grandchildren, Jerret Martin of Traverse City, Brad Martin of Washington, D.C., Trica Martin of Jamestown, North Dakota, William Welch of Tampa, Florida; sisters, Lela Jurden of Greenville, Betty (Dan) Vogl of Sheridan, Janice (Tom) Hansen of Lakeview and a brother, Dennis (Carol Davis) Welch of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Fred was a man with priorities: God, Family, Music. As such, he was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish in Carson City for many years. He was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed being around his family. Fred was a gifted steel guitarist and vocalist whose passion for music brought joy to his life as well as to the lives of many others. Fred was also a hard worker, having retired from Northland (AGA Marvel) after 45 years. He is a man who will be deeply missed and never replaced.

Visitation with Fred’s family will be on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan from 1 to 5:45 PM with a Rosary starting at 5:45 PM.

A mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, January 16, 2017 beginning at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carson City (404 N. Division Street), with Father Joe Kenshol as Celebrant. Final interment will be at St. Charles Catholic Cemetery in Greenville.

For those wishing to make a memorial donation in Fred’s memory the family has suggested donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and church.