William "Bill" F. Welch

William F. "Bill" Welch

Funeral services for William F. 'Bill' Welch, 86, of Manville, were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Pier Funeral Home in Lusk, Wyoming, with Pastor Mark Lohr officiating. Bill passed away at Shepherd of the Valley in Casper, Wyo. on Tuesday, July 21, 2009.

Bill Welch was born in Manville, Wyoming, to Leo and Alice (Popp) Welch on October 11, 1922. He grew up in the area, attending Manville schools - where he was a star basketball player - until graduation from high school. He served in the US Army Air Force from April of 1943 to Feb. of 1946.

Upon graduation from the University of Wyoming, he began his teaching career in Manville, continuing at Niobrara County High School teaching math until his retirement. He coached sports most of the years he taught. He was NCHS's first athletic director, and one of its earliest golf coaches.

Bill was an avid sports fan at all levels - high school, college, and professional. He was an ardent supporter of student athletics, continuing to attend games into his 80's. He was one of Lusk's best bowlers, and for several years owned and operated a four lane alley downstairs on the west side of Main Street in Lusk. He continued to participate in softball into his 50's, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He lived in Lusk for many years, but never lost his love for Manville, purchasing a home and living there in retirement.

Bill was never married, but was very close to his brothers and their families.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Welch, widow of Dick Welch; nephew Mark Welch; two nieces, Karen and Dianne, and eight grand-nephews and nieces. He also has a niece, Sharon and nephew Robert Welch, and niece, Barbara (deceased), children of his brother, the late Robert, and wife Patricia Welch. Also surviving are sister-in-law Dorothy Welch, widow of Al, of Lewistown, Mont.; and nieces and nephews and their families: Charlie (Sherry) Welch, Chelsey Welch, Kasey (Daniel) and Gracin Peak, and Katie Welch, all of Gillette, Wyo., and Debbie (Jim) Nette, Cory Nette and Jesse Nette of Billings, Mont.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Bob, Al, and Dick; friend Alice Sheaman; and long-time companion Peg Wolfe Sannes.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Jo Pierce and Ed Strube for all of their visits to Bill at Shepherd of the Valley. Memorials to Niobrara Health and Life Center, long term care, are suggested.

Pier Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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