DeForest –

Susan A. Welch, age 80, passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Avalon Assisted Living Facility in Fitchburg. She was born on July 25, 1935 in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Leslie G. and Kathryn A. Thelaner. Susan met Donald Lee Welch at the bowling alley where Donald was a pin setter and they were united in marriage on February 12, 1955. They moved to Madison in 1966 from West Allis. Susan worked as a purchasing agent for St. Mary’s Hospital for 25 years. She enjoyed teaching ballet, tap, jazz and baton, out of her home. She also used her talents making dance costumes, stained glass, wedding silk flowers and a myriad of other crafts. Susan was involved in Bethel 19 and Bethel 44 of Job’s Daughters International. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Starlight 283.

She is survived by her four children: Cheryl (Dave) Johnson, Scott Welch, Craig (Vicki) Welch and Leslie (Ted) Erickson; eight grandchildren: Brett Welch, Rebecca (Sam) Welch, Megan (Andrew) Kinsey, Lisa (Chad) Zimmerman, Samantha (Savanna Strennen) Thompson, Amanda (Tyler) Droppers, Keith Welch and Luke Welch; five great-grandchildren and brother, David A. Thelaner.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her parents and her brother, Leslie Thelaner.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, with Rev. Brenda Wingfield officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Avalon Assisted Living as well as the staff at Agrace HospiceCare.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare Inc.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Susan Welch

July 25, 1935 - December 31, 2015

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