Robert George Welsch

Bob was born in Sheboygan on Aug. 2, 1923, to Christian (Dick) and Dorothy (Lampe) Welsch. He attended Trinity Lutheran School and graduated from North High School, class of 1942.

In December of 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill., and training at Diesel Schools at Iowa State University and Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit, Mich., he travelled overseas as a PT engine mechanic. He served in the Southwest Pacific Ocean on ship repair units on several islands, including the Philippines. After WWII, he returned to Sheboygan.

He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Betty Madson, on Nov. 10, 1945, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheboygan. The couple was blessed with four children: Richard (Kathleen) Welsch, Elkhart Lake; Barbara (Niles) Klaves, Cleveland; James (Bonnie) Welsch, Elkhart Lake; and Robert, Jr. (Jodi) Welsch, Random Lake. Robert is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Amy Klaves, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Anthony (Rebecca) Welsch, Sheboygan; Dale (Shelly) Klaves, Bayside; Jonathan Welsch, Sarah (Jason) Bartz, and Jaclyn (Chad) Stenson, all of Sheboygan; Abby (Jimmie) Speyer, Austin, Texas; Elise Klaves (fiance Dan St. Michel), Mound, Minn.; Melissa (Ben) Ingelse, Oostburg; Andy Welsch, Oshkosh; and Sally and Amanda Welsch, of Random Lake. There are also 16 great-grandchildren: Brady, Stefanie and John Klaves; Domanic and Isabella Gonzales; Cheyenne and Adian Welsch; Justin and La Tasha Jackett; Cassius and Caden Rohadfox; Madelaine and Jacob Bartz; Benjamin and T.J. Stenson; and Brayden Ingelse. One sister-in-law, Ramona Welsch, also survives.

Bob worked at his parents' local bar and restaurant, Dick's Club, for many years and took over the business in 1968, when his father retired, until 1975. Previously, he worked for a short time in the enamel shop at Kohler Company and various construction companies as a laborer. In 1975, Bob became the maintenance manager of the Sheboygan YMCA until his retirement in 1985.

Bob and his wife were faithful members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for 52 years. He served as an elder and was vice president of the AAL Branch. The couple transferred to Luther Memorial Church several years ago.

Bob was a quiet, hard-working family man. In his early years, he enjoyed scuba diving and woodcarving, and played racquetball into his early 80s. He was a member of the Volkswagen Club, Kettle Karvers Club, the YMCA and VFW Wolf-Olson Post 1230.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and one brother, Clarence Welsch.

Funeral services will be held at Ballhorn Chapels, 1201 N. 8th St., Sheboygan, on Monday, July 18 at 7pm. Rev. John A. Schmidt, pastor of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, will officiate. Family and friends may call at Ballhorn Chapels on Monday from 4pm until the time of service.

A memorial fund has been established in Robert's name for Luther Memorial Lutheran Church and the Sheboygan YMCA.

The family would like to extend its appreciation to the caregivers at Sunny Ridge Nursing Home and Hospice Advantage for the compassionate care given to Bob.