Lee H. Welch

Lee H. Welch, age 68, of Elk Rapids passed away peacefully at Munson Hospice House Tuesday, August 11, 2015 with his family by his side. Lee was born June 10, 1947 in Pontiac to Harold and Harriett (Crouch) Welch.

Lee graduated from Walled Lake High School and went on to receive his Bachelors of Science Degree in Music Education from Moorhead State College in Moorhead, MN. He received his Master’s Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Lee married Ellen Klein on April 7, 1979 in Northville, MI. Together they raised two sons. Lee had a 38 year career with the Traverse City Public Schools. His career included Adjudicator, Choral Music Director, Music Department Chair and Assistant Principal at East Junior High School and Traverse City Central High School. He had been a member of Michigan State Vocal Music Association and Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. He was also Past President of the Elk Rapids Rotary. Lee exemplified “Service Above Self”. It was his joy to help others. In his spare time, Lee was an avid fisherman and he loved putzing around the house.

Lee will be greatly missed by his wife Ellen; sons: Jonathan (Mary Kate) Welch of Mobile, AL and Michael Welch of Traverse City; grandson Jefferson Welch; sister Marjorie (Donald) Kelsey and family; and his mother Harriett Welch.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Dr. R. Entz, Munson C4 and Munson Hospice House for their devotion to his care.

Memorial contributions in Lee’s name may be directed to the Cowell Cancer Center or Munson Hospice House.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Elk Rapids.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.