Neil Edward Welch, 87, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died Tuesday, September 2, 2014. He was born on June 14, 1927 in Darien, Wisconsin, the son of Richard and Adele (Gaffney) Welch. A graduate of Darien High School, Neil married Elizabeth Weis on June 23, 1951 and they resided in Darien, Wisconsin until 1987 when they moved to Janesville. Neil was a well-respected dairy farmer in Darien and was named Farmer of the Year by the FFA in 1976. Neil also served as a Director, and later Treasurer, of Sugar Creek Mutual Insurance Company in Elkhorn, Wisconsin for nearly 40 years until his retirement earlier this year at age 86. Neil was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Janesville) and was a former member of the Knights of Columbus, the Fairfield Grange and the Janesville Moose Lodge. He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, bowling, dancing, and playing cards. Neil had an easy smile, a hearty laugh, and a great sense of humor.
Neil is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their four children: Caroline (Dan Siegel), Jim (Mary), Andy (Lori), Lisa Miller (Jeff); their six grandchildren, Alexander and Madeleine Siegel and Austin, Autumn, Ashlyn and Adam Welch; and sister-in-law Joyce Welch and nephews Michael (Laura) and Dennis. Neil was predeceased by his parents, brother Tony Welch, and nephew Rick Welch.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 8, 2014 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 714 E. Walworth Ave. in Delavan, WI. Visitation will be from 2 until 5 pm on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at the Monroe Funeral Home, 604 E. Walworth Ave. in Delavan, Wisconsin. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.monroefh.com. Memorials in memory of Neil may be sent to: S.M.I.L.E.S. Therapeutic Riding Stables in Darien, WI, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, or St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
