Vernon “Vern” Welsh, age 83, of Gaylord peacefully passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at his home surrounded by his wife and daughter. Born in Johannesburg on October 29, 1934, Vern was one of seven children born to Jay and Alice (Palmer) Welsh.
On August 11, 1956 he married his High school sweetheart Mary Ann Strzynski and all who knew them can attest to their love story that lasted 62 years. Together, they raised two children.
Vern was a truck driver by trade and drove for 36 years. He spent his entire life in Northern Michigan, where he could be found in any season driving or walking in the woods, where he found peace and tranquility. He was an avid deer hunter, snowmobiler, mushroom picker, and he loved to fish. His favorite spot in the world was at his cabin on Big Bear Lake where he was a summer resident for over 35 years. Vern loved God, his family and nature, but not necessarily in that order.
Vern was a hardworking man who could fix anything. He served as an amazing role model to all who were blessed to know him. He was a kind, generous and gentle soul, who was always willing to help someone in need, and always ready with a hardy laugh. He loved a good party, especially when cards were involved, and he and Mary Ann were often seen dancing the night away at a local wedding or Polka Party. He will be greatly missed.
Vern is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann (Strzynski); daughter Laurie (Welsh) Watts; his beloved grandson Casey Watts, sister Sara Oliver; brothers Mel Welsh and Robert (Pam) Welsh; sisters-in-law Dolores Sheffield, Romaine Mankowski, along with many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by beloved son Ricky V., his parents, brother Dick Welsh, sisters Alma Gilpin and Beth Goff, sister-in-law Donna Welsh, brothers in law Clark Oliver, Don Goff, Les Sheffield, Kise Mankowski, and father and mother in law Andrew and Helen Strzynski and lifelong friends Bob and Bev Weaver.
Visitation at the Nelson Funeral Home will be held on Sunday, September 23 from 2-6 PM. A rosary will be given at 6 PM by the Knights of Columbus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord on Monday, September 24 at 11:30 AM with viewing at the church at 10:30 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to Munson Hospice or to St. Mary Cathedral Schools.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734. Please visit nelsonsfuneralhome.com.
16 comments on “Vernon P. Welsh”
I’m so sorry Aunt MaryAnn and Laurie for your loss, but I do know uncle Vern is up in heaven lending his kind soul, caring heart and laughing with Donna ( my mom) ! My prayers , love and hugs and kisses go out to you all!
Jeanie Dahlquist (Welsh)
Vern will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was the best of friends with my parents, Bob & Bev Weaver, what a wonderful reunion they will have!! Love, Kathy & Mike Sobocinski.
What a guy!! So thankful we were a part of his life and he a part of ours (even naming our youngest after him 💖💖). I can see him fishing with Ricky and finally REALLY LAUGHING with a Pabst Blue Ribbon in his other hand. Keep looking down on us Uncle Vern, we will always love you!! Lord please give your strength to Aunt Maryann, Laurie and Casey! 💖💖. All our Love Bill & Karen.
Dear aunt Marianne and Lori I love you guys so much I have lots of memories of your family I can see him have been up past blue ribbon beer I see him playing cards and I know he loved to Fish he’s up in heaven with my mom 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I love you I hope God gives you strength !!
Laurie and Mrs Welch. My heart feels your pain. Your Dad was one of a kind. How lucky he was to have both of you so close. I am so sorry for your loss. Debbie
Laurie and Mrs.Welsh,
I am so sorry for your loss. Vern was a special guy and I always appreciated him at the family get togethers we shared.
Love, Mary Jo (Mankowski) Steele.
Condolences from Doris Hahn Welsh family of Wolverine, MI.
Mary Ann and Laurie, Please know you are in our deepest thoughts and prayers during this sad time. We know Ricky
has welcomed his dad to his Heavenly reward. Always friends. With much love.
MaryAnn and Laurie, So very sorry for your loss, our deepest sincere sympathy to you and to all the family members.
Thinking of you.
Your Cuz, Bev and Dick Cherwinski
Laurie & Mrs Welsh , my prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the many good memories bring you comfort & peace. We all believe he is enjoying his reward in heaven with Ricky. May you feel his spirit watching over you, sending you comfort & love until you’re all united again with our Lord.
with hugs, prayers, & love, Mary Vinicki Rude
Aunt Maryann and Laurie, Uncle Vern is one of the best men I know, my heart and prayers are with you.
MaryAnn, sorry to hear the lost of Vern. We just found out today, please accept our most sincere condolences. Please contact us if there is anything Lisa and I can help you with.
Lisa/Paul Witgen
So sorry for your loss, nothing but fond memories of this man. xo
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother and Uncle. When you see somebody that has lived such a long and fulfilling life, one may wonder why man has to die at all. But be assured, God has given us is personal promise, found in the Bible at Revelation 21:4, where he tells us that very soon he will do away with death and sickness from the Earth forever, and then he will resurrect Vern to perfect life here on Earth, surrounded by family and friends, which has always been God’s purpose for mankind and for the Earth.
Maryann and family, So very sorry for your loss, I am sure Leonard would tell you also. Sending prayers to help you at this most difficult time. Hugs.
Dear Mrs. Welsh and Laurie – Our sympathies and prayers to you.