Michael T. Welch

Master Sgt. Welch-Went to heaven surrounded by family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sgt. Welch was in the Navy and finished his career in the Army National Guard. He was the Motor Sgt. at the Casper Armory. He retired after 32 years of service.

He was born in Prairie Du Chein, WI. And was raised in Gays Mills, WI. He was an avid athlete.
He married Elaine Welch in 1970 and had three children. They lived and worked in Wisconsin until 1977 when he moved his family to Lusk, Wyoming. He and Elaine came to Wyoming hunting and loved it. He was a ranch hand for many years on ranches around Lusk. In 1982 he enlisted full time in the Wyoming National Guard.

Mike was an amazing man. He didn't know a stranger. He would talk to anybody and help them any way he could. Whether he was camping or on a fishing boat he would always be talking and helping people. He loved to bake and cook meals for his family and friends. He loved to have fun and had a way to make you smile.

He was our life line. He was our supporter and protector. Whatever we needed-a hug, advice, our butts kicked, or help, he was the one we called. He loved his grandkids. He loved teaching them about life and spoiling them. He taught his grandson Wayne how to shoot a bow and many different guns. He taught him to fish and drive a go cart and 4 wheeler. He taught him about football and to chop wood. They were always talking about hunting, fishing, or the military. He taught his grandson Jhett how to fish and shoot and drift on the go-cart and taught him about tools and fixing cars. His granddaughter Peyten had him wrapped around her finger. She would say grandpa we need to take a drive, which was code for shopping and ice cream. He taught her that they could have secrets together, and she could not tell her parents. It took a couple of years for Peyten to learn to keep her lips sealed. He taught his grandson Jordan how to bait a hook and drive a car. He truly was the best grandpa.

He loved deep sea fishing, always looking to catch the big one. He loved Nascar. Racing was in his blood. He shared this love with his son Brian taught him to race at age 14. He loved to go fast. Together they shared the love of racing. He loved hunting and camping and spending time outdoors. He loved the Jackson and the Teton's. Seeing the Tetons before he past was something he wanted to do and ride the sleigh through the elk refuge. We made that happen and it was a good day.

He loved his family and friends. He loved spending time with his brothers and sisters. They would go hunting or fishing and have family BBQ's. He also loved his "adoptive family" in Iowa. Spending time and being part of their family meant the world to him.

He is preceded into death by his parents Thomas and Violet Welch.

He is survived by Elaine Welch; daughter Dawn (Rusty) Thompson, Casper, WY; daughter Sheri Helms, Grand Blanc, MI; son Brian (Arrin) Welch, Casper, WY. Grandsons Jordan Helms, Wayne Thompson, Jhett Welch, and granddaughter Peyten Welch. Sister Patricia Campbell, brother Ron (Nancy) Welch; brother Kevin (Pat) Welch; brother Perry (Diane) Welch; sister Paula Welch; and brother Todd Welch; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and very close friends and his beloved dog and companion Robin.

Forever loved. Forever in our hearts. Will be missed beyond words. Beloved Dad, Grandpa, Brother, and Friend.

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