Michael Daniel Welch

Michael Daniel Welch, beloved Son, Brother, and Friend was called to the Lord on February 22, 2026. He passed peacefully at his home due to an unexpected cardiac event.

Michael was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Kathleen Agnes (née Dunn) & Eugene Thomas Welch on May 19, 1978. As one of nine beloved Welch children, he grew up in Maribel, Wisconsin playing in the fields and woods of the family’s farm. 

He found beauty, inspiration, and a connection with God in nature where he spent time with his beloved Golden Retriever, Finn.

As a student at Denmark Elementary, Jr. High, and High School, he made many lifelong friends. A member of the basketball and football teams, he drew guidance throughout his life from the values of team sports. Mike attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he studied literature and writing. The city of Milwaukee was special to Mike and was where he spent many years working in the service and tech industries. He also spent time throughout his childhood living in Bozeman, Montana at his Uncle Daniel Dunn’s ranch.

Mike grew into a man who loved cooking, traveling, literature, poetry, politics, art, architecture, comedy, deep conversations, good bars, all genres of music, and spending time with his many friends. He was the best man in six weddings and was a groomsman in many more. His charismatic personality and incredible sense of humor were legendary. His comforting and accepting nature drew people to him and he was a kind soul who cared deeply for others.

Mike loved his family. Like his namesake Michael the Archangel, he was the protector of his mother and siblings. Mike generously lent his strength and kindness to anyone who needed help or healing. He was proud of everyone when they realized their dreams; graduations, engagements, babies, jobs, buying a house – no one was happier for others than Mike. He knew each niece and nephew individually, and each had a special relationship. They will always carry their time with big Uncle Mikey in their hearts. In the last years of his life, he was grateful that he shared a special love with Elisa Cawood and her daughter Catherine. 

He was preceded in death by his father Eugene Thomas Welch; sister Christine Rose (née Welch) Bowersock; stepfather Stanton Kuil; maternal grandparents J. Vincent and Mary (née Sholts) Dunn; and paternal grandparents Edmund and Marie (née Brunner) Welch.

He is survived by his life partner and best friend, Elisa Cawood and her daughter, Catherine; his mother, Kathleen Agnes; Steven and Tracy (née Baumgartner) Welch and their children, Kaiya, Braeden, Brock, and Kaeli; Owen Welch and Heather Myers; Dean and Karoline Welch and their daughters, Freya and Una; Gena Marie Welch and her son, Henry; Erin (née Welch) and Ryan Warpinski and their daughters, Greta and Scarlett; Eamon and Rachel (née Averkamp) Welch and their daughters, Norah and Iris; Thomas Judah and Maria (née Wenzel) Welch and their son, Olyvar Edwyn; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church, Cooperstown. Rev. Brian Belongia will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Maple Grove.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Funeral Home of Kellnersville, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

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