John Matthew Welch ~ May 19, 1941 to December 13, 2013

John Matthew Welch, age 72, passed away December 13, 2013 at Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, MT of a heart attack.

John was born May 19, 1941, the third son born to Ira and Evelyn (Watson) Welch. He attended school in Hysham,
MT graduating in 1960. John married Wretha Patterson on December 30, 1960. They had one son, Richard Welch.

John grew up working on the family farm. Upon his father’s passing in 1978, John took over operations of the farm. He continued farming until his retirement in 1992. John’s other business ventures included a house painting business in Billings, MT and co-owner of the Town & Country Lounge with longtime friends, Mel and Bonnie Hert.

John’s love for farming and agriculture drew him out of retirement to work for Simplot Soil Builders until suffering a stroke in 1998. He continued living at home until moving to Fountain View Assisted Living Center in Forsyth, MT in 2008. He spent five years in the loving care of the Fountain View staff. He spent the last 5 months of his life in the Rosebud Health Care Center Nursing Home in Forsyth, MT.

John’s hobbies included spending time with his family, boating, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his fellow farmers at the local bar discussing “A hard day’s work”.

John was preceded in death by his father, Ira Welch, his mother, Evelyn (Watson) Welch, and his brothers, Leonard Welch and Forrest Welch.

He is survived by his son, Richard (Melissa) Welch of Hysham, MT, his grandson, Dillon Welch of Glendive, MT and his granddaughter, Shayna Welch of Hysham, MT.

John’s family would like to give a special thank you to Fountain View Assisted Living Center and Rosebud Health Care Center Nursing Home for the love and care they gave John during his stay there.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 19, 2013 from 10:00am to 5:00pm in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT. Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 20, 2013 at 11:00am in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT with a reception to follow at the Funeral Home. After the reception, burial will take place at the Memorial Vale Cemetery in Hysham, MT, where John will be laid to rest with his parents and brothers.

Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting with these arrangements, condolences may be left online by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com Print this post