John "Jack" C. Welch, aged 86, passed peacefully into eternal rest at his home in Brethren, Michigan attended by family on August 11, 2025.

Born December 30, 1938 in Muskegon Michigan to Harvey and Edith (Anderson) Welch, he graduated as valedictorian from Norman Dixon high school in Brethren, Michigan in 1957. Jack married Barbara (Garcia) Rybicki at Epworth United Methodist Church in Brethren on February 7, 1976.

Jack was an ironworker and active union member for over 40 years. Jack loved to hunt and fish and made many trips to Canada and elsewhere with Barbara, family and friends. A life-long learner, Jack was an avid reader and was knowledgeable across numerous topics. Jack loved spending time at the pond on his family property, feeding the geese and turtles and hosting family and friends. Highly skilled and a creative craftsman, Jack was a true artisan and problem-solver at heart. Welder, woodworker, pilot, farmer, lumberman, anything he laid his hands and vision to came to life in his own, unique way

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, his children, Kyrja (Randy) Withers, John (Helen) Welch, Robert (Linda) Welch, Rachael Burton, numerous grand and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Edith Welch, in-laws Waley and Rose Garcia, his brother Thomas Welch, sister Dolores Stendel, brother-in-law Milton "Mick" Stendel, sister Nancy Kaskinen, brother-in-law Arlie "Mike" Kaskinen and granddaughter Erica Mills.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy to the family may be directed to Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Manistee to offset service costs and provide for a memorial.

Jack accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior shortly before passing. Jack was loved by many and will be deeply missed. Rest in glory and eternal peace, John Welch.

Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com