"Jan, Trudy told me a few minutes ago that Russ had passed. Phil and I send our sympathy, and you'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Russ was a good guy with a great sense of humor. Love, LuAnn Zieman"
In loving memory of
Russel Welch
September 23, 1934 - March 16, 2021
Russel Welch, of Summit Lake, died Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at Rosalia Gardens under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. He was 86 years old. He was born on September 23, 1934, in Fond du Lac, a son of Corlis and Ella (Marshall) Welch.
He served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1955 stationed in Hawaii. He sailed on two salvage and rescue ships: the USS Reclaimer and USS Safeguard. In 2012 he returned to Hawaii to the base where he was stationed as a young man recalling many memories and times of honorable service.
Following military service Russ worked in the construction field in Fond du Lac.
He moved to the town of Upham in the 1970's. Russ was employed with Reif Construction as a finishing carpenter. From 1987 to retirement he worked for Gunderson Construction in Portage.
On October 26, 1985 he married Janet Space at the United Church of Christ - Congregational in Elcho and she survives.
He was very proud of his service to our country and was a member of the Noetzelman-Boodry American Legion Post 377, Elcho, the National Rifle Association and the United Church of Christ - Congregational, Kempster.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. He was a Green Bay Packer and WI Badger fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR on the weekends.
Survivors including his wife are two sons, Brett (Julie) Welch, LaCrosse, Chad (Kori) Welch, Graham, North Carolina; four grandchildren Ellie, Anna, Brook, and Kyleigh; and family friend, Marilyn Binder, Appleton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Brian Welch.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 11 a.m. at United Church of Christ - Congregational in Elcho. Burial will take place in Lakeside Summit Lake Cemetery where the Elcho Veterans will conduct military honors.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday at the church.
Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com.
Tributes
"Janet, I am so sorry for your loss! Russ was a great guy and I will always have fond memories of him being a good friend to my Dad. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Kate (Vaughn) Clay"
"My deepest sympathies to the Welch family. Praying for God`s peace and comfort for all as they say their goodbyes to Russ. He was a nice man. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 King James Version (KJV) 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
"Janet, I am sorry and sad to learn Russ has passed away. I remember him as a caring and giving man with a lively personality. My sincere caring thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Carol S. LaMar"