Robert Welch

Robert Joseph Welch (Bob or Bitchin Bob to all who knew him) peacefully left this world at 2:15 a.m., Sunday, May 13th, at his home in Garrison, MN. Bob was born to Robert V. and Evelyn Armstrong Welch on February 16, 1939, in Waseca, MN. He was the firstborn of four children and the only son. He grew up in Waseca and attended school at Sacred Heart where he participated in football, wrestling and other various shenanigans. In 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn (Cottie) Sunde and moved to Memphis, TN, where he was proud to serve in the U.S. Navy. His first child, Brenda, was born while in Memphis. After being discharged from the Navy, they moved back to Waseca and added five more children to their family: Diana (Dini), Robert Jr. (Rob), Jeana, Michael (Mike) and Cottie Lynn. He was active in the community both as a local bar patron and as a volunteer fireman until moving his to Phoenix, AZ, in 1972. Bob worked for the Phoenix Union High School District as a Tech Specialist for 22 years and retired in 1996. After retiring, he and Cottie divided their time between Phoenix and Garrison. The family had spent many summer vacations at Doc's Resort so the opportunity to live and work at Camp Holiday (formerly Doc's) was perfect for them until they made a permanent home on property south of Garrison. Bob enjoyed life - he always had fun! His greatest joy and accomplishment was his family. He loved the outdoors --- hunting, fishing, camping, riding dirt bikes and go carts --- but riding his Harley, especially with his sons by his side, was one of the highlights of his life. He was proud to have a grandson along for his last ride - the annual Toy Run around Lake Mille Lacs. He was a fun-loving family man and even his gruff voice, his lack of inhibition when speaking his mind and his colorful vocabulary were not able to disguise his soft heart. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM! Bob Welch is survived by his children Brenda (Ray) Guzman - Phoenix, AZ, Dini (Cecil) Hogan - Phoenix, AZ, Rob (Beth) Welch - Otsego, MN, Jeana (Wes) Metzendorf - Phoenix, AZ, and Cottie (Ed) Kennedy - Bakersfield, CA; (13) grandchildren and (14) great grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters: Barb Welch of Mankato, Mary Armstrong Welch (Caren Gaytko) and Terri Armstrong Welch both of Minneapolis, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Cottie (5/15/2003), his son Mike (1/27/2012) and two granddaughters. A service to celebrate his life will be held at Light of the Cross Lutheran Church in Garrison on Saturday, May 26th, at 2:00. The family will be available from 1:00 to 2:00 for visiting - sharing pictures and memories. He will be buried with full military honors at Dykeman's Cemetery (County Road 8 & 26) followed by a reception at the VFW in Garrison. The family would like to thank the ICU and Ambulatory Care nurses at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center for their excellent care (and laughs - can't forget the tutu). A special thank you also to everyone at HomeHealth Partnership's hospice program. Their help made it possible for us to fulfill our promise to bring him home where he was able to look out at the woods and his deer feeder surrounded by those he loved. Koop Funeral Home is handling all the arrangements and can be contacted for additional information (218) 546-5531.Memorials are preferred to the Garrison Fire Department.