Robert Leo “Bob” Welch, 81, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014, at his home in East Troy. Bob was born Feb. 5, 1933 in East Troy to Martin and Frances (Cash) Welch.
He attended East Troy schools and graduated in 1952. Bob was a very talented athlete in high school. He played on the football, baseball and basketball teams and earned the nickname “Herc.”
Bob attended college and served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He then began his own company, Welch Landscaping, doing the majority of his work on East Troy area lake properties.
Bob married Joan Strukel in Ely, Minn., and they enjoyed 42 years together before she passed away in May 2009.
Bob joined the East Troy Lions Club in 1967 and subsequently became a life member of the organization. He and Joan were very active in the Lions Club and Lioness Club, respectively.
He held many local and state office positions, including East Troy Lions Club president (1975-76), district governor 27-A1, and Wisconsin Lions Foundation president. He was very involved in the development of Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, and the Lions Eye Bank program.
He was a member of American Legion Post 188 and volunteered with the Meals on Wheels Program for many years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and watching ball games of all kinds.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry; a sister, Mary Struhar; three brothers-in-law, Bob Greene, Al Struhar and Tom Scharf; and a nephew, Michael Greene.
He is survived by two sisters, Jean Greene, of East Troy, and Betty Scharf of Ashville, N.C.; Joan’s brother and sister-in-law, John and Betsy Strukel; nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 4-6 p.m. at Legacy Funeral Services, 2974 Main St., East Troy and also at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1974 Beulah Ave., East Troy on Monday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to the East Troy Lions Club, P.O. Box 53, East Troy, WI 53120.
