Ronald Mason Welch, Jr, 81, went to be with the Lord on August 25th, 2025. The family will hold a Celebration of Life reception at Cornerstone Community Church, 1321 9th Ave, Greeley, Colorado, 80634 on October 4th between 2-4pm for any friends and family that are able to attend.

Ronnie to family, Ron to most, and Dad (Grandpa) to us. He was born in Akron, Colorado on September 28th, 1943, to Ronald and Fern Welch. He was one of 6 children growing up on a family farm outside of Otis, Colorado. Ron attended Otis High School where he excelled in many sports and graduated in 1961. Following high school, he attended what was then Colorado College (UNC) and was a four-year letterman on the track team. He would always let you know how fast he used to be...and he was, setting a school record with a 9.6 second - 100 yd dash!

While at college, Ron met his wife Jan. They started their family in Sidney, Nebraska and moved back to Greeley, Colorado in 1978. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in June.

Ron was strong in his faith, serving his home Church, First United Presbyterian Church, now Cornerstone Community Church in Greeley, Colorado for many years, and upon retiring from teaching at various stops, spent much of his time serving others and volunteering throughout the Greeley community. Ron loved the countless hours of coaching and watching his children play sports (especially baseball), telling stories, and playing golf and slow pitch softball.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Fern Welch, his infant sister Rose, and a grandson, Kaleb Welch.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jan, currently of Clinton, MS, daughter Kim, of New York, NY, son Kreg (Mary Grace) of Grandview, MO, and son Kurt (Maime) of Flowood, MS and seven grandchildren: Elise, Addison, Makayla, Kade, Kate, and Matthew. He is also survived by his 4 siblings, Tom (Judy) Welch, Jim (Barb) Welch, Pam (Jon) Burrell, and Pat Wilkins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weld Food Bank, 1108 H Street, Greeley, CO 80631 (weldfoodbank.org) or Kiwanis Club of Greeley, P.O. Box 337002, Greeley, CO 80633 (greeleykiwanis.org).