Michael B Welch

Mike was born on June 18, 1953, to William and Mary Welch. He was very premature, weighing less than 2 pounds. The oxygen in the incubator caused Mike permanent total blindness. That didn't slow Mike down. He attended a special program for the blind, under the direction of Sr. Mel Marie, housed in Holy Assumption grade school in West Allis where he learned braille and mobility, while being mainstreamed in the sighted classroom. Mike went on to graduate from Don Bosco High School in 1971 where he played trumpet in the marching band and lettered in Wrestling. He earned a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Mike worked for his family’s business, Realistic Press and Advertising, as well as Industries for the Blind. He was always beating his own record in production. Over the years he pursued many hobbies, including skydiving where he made almost 100 parachute jumps. Mike was a boxing aficionado curating 100’s of heavyweight boxing matches on DVD. From the young age of 7, he could recite all of the heavyweight champions of the world. Mike was a voracious reader with gratitude to the Library for the Blind for supplying countless books on history, religion, criminal justice, and politics. Utmost in his interests was his devotion to his Catholic faith. He was a long term member of St. John the Evangelist and worked for many years at their summer festival. 

Mike was predeceased by his parents and his wife of 29 years, Kaaren. He leaves behind his sister, Vicki Conte; his brothers, Jeff (Tonni) and Joseph (Jennifer) and their families; as well as his step-son, Jeff Selchow and his family. Mike has other loving relatives and so many friends, of special note David, Bob, Tom, and Gene. Mike was humble and non-judgmental, a great listener and kind advisor. He is loved. He is missed. Much thanks to the staff of both Vitas Hospice and Sunrise Nursing Home for their loving and respectful care of Mike.

Funeral Services will take place at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church located at 8500 W. Cold Spring Rd. Greenfield, WI., on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Visitation is from 10-11AM, with the Funeral Mass at 11AM, followed by a luncheon in the church hall. All are welcome. 

Memorial Donations can be made to the West Allis Lion’s Club whose mission is serving people with blindness. Mike received help from the Lion’s on several occasions. Visit https://square.link/u/e26fbhjY.