Garold "Gary" Joseph Welch, 75, of Traverse City passed away December 20, 2023 at Munson Medical Center.

Gary was born on October 26, 1948 in Midland to the late James Martin and Marian May (Miller) Welch. He was the eldest of six children.

Gary graduated from Bullock Creek High School and later attended Delta College and Northern Michigan University.

Gary owned and operated GT Sweetwater Well Drilling and repair for nearly 35 years. He was very gifted at his job and loved working out in the field. Following his retirement, he enjoyed being a greeter at Lowes where he excelled at welcoming customers and helping them find what they needed.

In his free time, Gary enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt and in particular pheasant hunt. He also found horticulture very interesting. In his early years, he also belonged to many pool and bowling leagues at what is now Lucky Jacks. Above all else, Gary loved his family.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother Don; and son-in-law Michael Kopnick.

Gary is survived by his wife Karen; children Gary (Tina) Welch, Melissa Kopnick, Eric (Stacy) Welch and Kelly (Terry) Stites; 15 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren step children Leandra Paavo and Joshua Agruda; siblings Marty (Jo Ellen) Welch, Kathryn (Steve) Bandstra, Linda (Dan) Sines and Jane (Mike) Sugar and many other family members and friends.

A gathering will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 3 to 5 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mary Free Bed Rehab at Munson Medical Center.