Neil Edward Welch, 87, of Janesville, died Sept. 2, 2014. He was born June 14, 1927 in Darien, 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 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 Co. in Elkhorn for nearly 40 years until his retirement earlier this year at the age of 86. Neil was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in 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 (Jeff) Miller; their six grandchildren, Alexander and Madeleine Siegel and Austin, Autumn, Ashlyn and Adam Welch; sister-in-law Joyce Welch and nephews Michael (Laura) and Dennis. Neil was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tony Welch; and nephew, Rick Welch.
A funeral Mass of Christian Burial took place Monday at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church.
Monroe Funeral Home in Delavan is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.monroefh.com. Memorials in memory of Neil may be sent to SMILES Therapeutic Riding Stables in Darien at www.smilestherapeuticriding.org; St. Andrew’s Catholic Church at www.standrews-delavan.org; or St. Mary’s Catholic Church at www.nativitymary.org.
