Kylee henke biography of william

William ‘Bill’ Welch

Sept. 8, 1938 – Aug. 9, 2023

William “Bill” Welch passed away Aug. 9, 2023. Bill was born Sept. 8, 1938 in Rapid City, S.D.

Bill was one of nine children born to Esther Sharp and Bert Welch. His younger years were spent in Rapid City, S.D. before moving to Klamath Falls, Ore. He lived in several Oregon Cities before settling in Springfield, Ore. 

He went to work for Wildish Construction in 1963 and retired in 1987. 

After his retirement from Wildish, he enjoyed what he loved most: fishing, hunting, and gardening. He always shared his garden with friends and family. 

He fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an auctioneer. He did Estate auctions, storage unit auctions and his favorite were benefit auctions. While doing auctions, he made many more friends and was well recognized and sought after as an auctioneer.

He had heart bypass surgery at the age of 77 and later would require a pacemaker. He was a very strong person with a strong will. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He had a way of lifting people up.  

His family and especially his grandchildren and their friends loved hearing his childhood stories of survival and hard work. His stories would hold your attention and make you feel you were right there w

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