DEFOREST – Michael M. Welch, age 66, died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, at UW Hospital, Madison after an eight month battle with lung cancer. He was born on Sept. 21, 1949, in Milwaukee, the son of Lawrance and Betty (Jeuck) Welch. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Carol Leiteritz on Jan. 8, 1972, in Green Bay.

Mike’s greatest loves were his family and friends, hunting, fishing, golfing and especially music. He was an exceptionally talented musician, playing many instruments in various bands, choirs and musicals. He was also very involved with his church community, including the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carol; daughters, Kelly Welch and Beth (Jason) Rudy; grandchildren, Maya and Rex Rudy; brothers, Bob (Linda) and Ted Welch; sister-in-law, Sandra (Gene) Mayernick and brother-in-law, Greg (Mary Ann) Leiteritz; and also many other relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Erin; his sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Arnie Armour; sister-in-law, Marleen Welch and nephew, Dan Welch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at ST. OLAF CATHOLIC CHURCH, 623 Jefferson St., DeForest, with Father Vince Brewer officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road and also from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday at the church. Burial will be with his daughter, Erin at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carbone Cancer Center for Lung Cancer Research.

The family would like to thank all the staff at the Carbone Cancer Center and the staff of D6/5 Intermediate Care at UW Hospital. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Michael Welch

September 21, 1949 - September 28, 2015

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