Charles S. Welch, 88, passed away on Friday, October 2nd, 2020, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD after a short battle with pneumonia.
Private family services for Charles and Sonja Welch will be on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown with Reverend Brian Stroh officiating. Sonja Welch passed away on Monday, November 2, 2020 at the Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital.
Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Watertown, SD.
Charles was born on October 3rd, 1931 to William and Nellie (Erdahl) Welch on the family farm near Ortley, SD. He grew up on a farm south of Ortley, and graduated from Waubay High School. After graduation, Charles served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years during the Korean War.
Charles married Sonja Raye Gillies on May 29th, 1959 in Watertown. Together they raised 3 children: Lisa, Billy, and Cindy. Charles worked at the Kranzburg Elevator before starting Charles Welch Trucking in 1961. He retired from his business at the age of 70. Charles then worked part time for Pederson Motors and Dueco delivering equipment throughout the U.S.
Charles enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He spent many hours with his beloved Chinese pug, Mei Ling. He enjoyed spending time outside in his yard, garden, and lake cabin. He could be seen every morning having coffee and conversations with his buddies. Charles was an avid Minnesota Twins fan.
Charles is survived by Sonja, his wife of 61 years; his children, Lisa Morford of Watertown, SD, Bill Welch of Rapid City, SD, Cindy (Rob) Zell of Sioux Falls, SD; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed by his loving family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, www.wightandcomes.com.