Fred M Welch

Fred Mason Welch, aged 77, passed away on Sunday October 13, 2024, at 11:37 pm EST surrounded by his loving family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

Fred was born on January 15, 1947, in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the second of three children born to his father and mother, Fred and Sophia Welch. As Fred’s father was in the Army, the family moved with his military career. Fred spent his formative years in Kansas City, Kansas; overseas in Stuttgart; Germany; Kaiserslautern, Germany; returning to the United States in Manhattan, Kansas; then settling and graduating high school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Following his graduation in 1966, Fred joined the U.S. Air Force. He proudly served for 23 years with his career taking him from Sheppard AFB, Texas; Clark AFB, Philippine Islands; Norton AFB, California, Bergstrom AFB, Texas, Hellenikon AFB, Greece; Rhein Main AFB, Germany; Hahn AFB, Germany, and finally to Warner Robins AFB, Georgia. After his military career, Fred spent several years in the civilian sector in Restaurant management before returning to civil service and dedicating 20 more years as a Labor Investigator for the Federal Department of Labor. Throughout all his varied positions, he was known for being dedicated, hardworking, and a man of integrity.

While at Sheppard AFB, Fred met his future wife of 55 years, Victoria Nava (Welch). The two were married on October 4, 1969. Their first child, Maria, was born on February 5, 1971, at Clark AFB, Philippines. Their second child, Fred (not a Junior as they intentionally do not share a middle name), was born on November 27, 1973, in San Bernardino, California. Above all, Fred was an enthusiastically devoted husband and father. Fred found joy in being with his family, ensuring they were loved and cared for. He once shared that while some men aspire to be remembered for their career or financial achievements, he wanted to be remembered as the best husband and father—and he certainly was. His free time was always spent with his family, which brought him the greatest happiness.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Victoria, his children, Maria Reed and Fred Welch (Kimberly Saaverda, Leilani Brown), his grandchildren, Gabriella Victoria Reed and Isabel Sophia Reed, his elder sister Mary Ann Panosh (Dick Panosh, nephews Chris Panosh, Tony & Anne Panosh, DJ & Kelley Panosh, and George & Jeanna Panosh), and his younger brother, Richard Welch (Sonya Welch), His memory will be cherished and celebrated by all who know him.

Visitation will be at held from 6:00 – 7:00 PM on October 22, with a Rosary being said immediately following visitation at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 Cobb Pkwy N, Kennesaw, GA. A celebratory mass will at held at 10:30 AM on October 23 at St. Catherine’s of Siena Catholic Church, 1618 Ben King Rd, Kennesaw, GA with the burial following at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA at 2:00 PM.