Walter Welch, of Phlox, died Monday, March 19, 2018, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. He was 64 years old. He was born on October 21, 1953, in Antigo, a son of Theresa (Koeppel) Welch of Phlox and the late Floyd Welch.

He was a graduate of Antigo High School with the class of 1973 and attended North Central Technical College in Antigo for one year followed by two years at Madison Area Technical College.

Mr. Welch lived in Madison for 3 years working at Gilmon Trucking Equipment as a diesel mechanic. He moved back to the Phlox area taking over the family dairy farm. He operated the dairy farm for 25 years.

Walter later worked as a mechanic at the Matsche Farms in Birnamwood from 2009 until retirement in 2016.

He was a member of St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church in Phlox.

Survivors including his mother are a daughter, Heidi (Dustin) Kraege, Ringle; four sons, Nicholas (Joan) Welch, Luther, Michigan, Benjamin Welch and fiancee Jennifer Rizzo, Wisconsin Dells, Craig Welch, Bowler, Simon (Tara) Welch, Wausau; twelve grandchildren; three sisters, Mary (Eugene) Rogatzki, Deerbrook, Susan (Larry) Waldvogel, Phlox, Carolyn (Joseph) Metko, Phlox; four brothers, Lawrence (Shirlee) Welch, Antigo, Edward (Ruth) Welch, Merrill, John Welch, Shawano, Andrew (Michelle) Welch, Bowler.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel and Thomas Welch.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 23, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann and Deacon Tony DeBroux officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the church. A parish wake service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.