William ‘Bill’ Welch
Sept. 8, 1938 – Aug. 9, 2023
William “Bill” Welch passed away Aug. 9, 2023. Bill was born Sept. 8, 1938 in Rapid City, S.D.
Bill was one of nine children born to Esther Sharp and Bert Welch. His younger years were spent in Rapid City, S.D. before moving to Klamath Falls, Ore. He lived in several Oregon Cities before settling in Springfield, Ore.
He went to work for Wildish Construction in 1963 and retired in 1987.
After his retirement from Wildish, he enjoyed what he loved most: fishing, hunting, and gardening. He always shared his garden with friends and family.
He fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an auctioneer. He did Estate auctions, storage unit auctions and his favorite were benefit auctions. While doing auctions, he made many more friends and was well recognized and sought after as an auctioneer.
He had heart bypass surgery at the age of 77 and later would require a pacemaker. He was a very strong person with a strong will. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He had a way of lifting people up.
His family and especially his grandchildren and their friends loved hearing his childhood stories of survival and hard work. His stories would hold your attention and make you feel you were right there with him throughout life.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther Crumley, father, Bert Welch, twin sisters Elnora and Evelin Welch, Sandra Welch and brother, Kenneth Welch. He is survived by his two sons, Jaeson Troy Welch and William Ray Welch; brothers, Ronald Welch, Robert Welch, James Welch; and sister, Bonnie Gregerson.
He left behind two grandchildren, Ty Welch (wife Kylee) and Cody Welch and several nieces and nephews.
Death Notices
Kent: Carolyn Scott Kent, 64, was born on Jan. 11, 1959 and died on Aug. 9, 2023.
Copple: Clarence Richard Copple, 79, of Creswell, Ore. died Aug. 14, 2023. Arrangements: Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel and Crematorium.
