William “Bill” Welch, age 79, of Marion passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Birch Hill Heath Care Center, Shawano.
William Jan Welch was born on July 30, 1938 in Marion to Ceylon and Rowena (Krueger) Welch. He grew up in Marion and graduated from Marion High School in 1956. Bill went on to UW-Madison and earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1961. In 1964 he started Welch Fire Equipment in Marion. It was a lifelong career for Bill and he enjoyed working in the shop or the office literally right up until his passing. The crew at Welch Fire Equipment will continue Bill’s legacy of hard work and craftsmanship for years to come. Bill was never married but throughout the years he always considered the guys at the shop as his family.
In his younger days, Bill raced a street stock car mostly at the race tracks in Shawano or Seymour. He always remained a proud supporter of racing by sponsoring a car or driver for so many years. He also served as a part-time Deputy Sheriff with the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department for close to 20 years.
Bill is a former member of St. John Lutheran Church, Marion, where he was active as an Usher, a Sunday School Teacher, and as a volunteer with the Church Council. Currently, he is a member of Grace Family Church, Marion. Bill was a board member for Greenleaf Cemetery Association for many years. He was very proud to be a charter member of the Marion Lions Club. Bill liked spending time with family and friends at his cabin by the Cloverleaf Lakes. Bill’s other interests were deer hunting and trout fishing; but he especially loved the trips out west or to Canada with special friends.
Survivors include one sister, Julianne Noak of Schofield; one nephew, Steven, and two nieces, Stacy and Stephanie. He is further survived by several cousins; and many other relatives and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 30th at 11:00 AM at Grace Family Church, 113 N. Main St., Marion. Pastor Kelly Loken will officiate and burial will follow at Greenleaf Cemetery, Marion. Friends may call on Monday from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting with the arrangements.