Michael Welch Sr.

Michael Dennis Welch Sr. was born on September 18, 1941, to Harold Sr. and Elizabeth Welch in Des Moines, Iowa. He was educated through the Des Moines public school system and graduated from East high school. Michael was an all-American athlete. He played football, ran track and wrestled for Des Moines East high school. After attending East high school Michael became a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the Vietnam war and received a Purple Heart for his bravery, time and dedication. 

Michael Welch was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life Bessie Welch on December 3, 1963, in Oceanside California until her passing in 2001. They also lived in Paris Island, and Beaufort South Carolina both places for two years before returning to Des Moines Iowa. They were blessed with three children Patricia, A. Michael, D, Jr. and Rick L. Welch.

Michael came back to Des Moines after serving in the military and established a career with the United States Postal Service where he worked as a sorter for 40 years.

Michael enjoyed sports, his favorites being football, basketball and track and field. He also spent time coaching his basketball and his track team. Michael was a big Iowa Hawkeyes football fan and a Kansas City Chiefs football fan.

Michael and Bessie enjoyed traveling to visit friends and family. Michael also enjoyed going to the movies, bike riding with his kids and taking the dogs out to Grays Lake. Michael also loved spending time with his family, friends and companion Marilyn Taylor. Michael would do anything for everyone whose lives he touched. 

Michael passed away on December 20, 2024, at the VA hospital in Omaha Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elizabeth Welch, his late wife Bessie Welch, his brothers Harold Welch Jr. and Ronald Welch Sr. 

Those left to cherish Michael in memory are his daughter, Patricia Welch, his son, Michael Welch Jr. and his son, Rick & his wife Cherry Welch. His grandchildren; Mekhi, Maxwell, Camden, Jade and her husband Jake Iredale, Brody, Caleb, and Asharra Welch. siblings; Granville Welch, Larry Welch, and Jack Welch along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.