Michael J. Welter

Michael J. Welter, 67
1949-2017
Loving Father, Papa, Brother, and Friend.
Michael J. Welter, 67 of Rockford died Saturday March 4, 2017 at 4:22pm at home surrounded by his loving family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. Born July 21, 1949 in Rockford attended Auburn high school, graduating in 1968. After graduating high school Michael entered the United States Army serving in Vietnam, receiving a purple heart, and the bronze star medals of honor. Michael married his beautiful wife Susan Heisler on April 15, 1972, Susan died July 23, 2016. Together Michael and Susan had two sons Christopher and Jonathan. Michael worked for Amerock Manufacturing for many years, once Amerock closed Michael went to work for his son Jonathan at Dry Otter Basement Waterproofing. Michael was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church and the Venetian Club. Michael enjoyed the many trips he and Susan made to Florida and especially enjoyed the fishing trips that he and his sons went on. Michael also made beautiful stained glass that he enjoyed sharing with others.
Survivors include sons Christopher Welter of Sarasota FL, Jonathan (Carrie)Welter of Rockford;grandchildren Peyton Welter of Sarasota FL, and Talan, Adysen, and Cayden Welter of Rockford; loving sister Ginny(Joe) Ernst of Azle TX., nephew Joe (Robyn)Ernst of Fort Collins CO, niece Chelsea Ernst of Charlotte NC, special friends Mark and Denise VanVleck and Gordon and Jeanne Passmore. Predeceased by his wife Susan, and nephew Joseph Edward Ernst. The family would like to thank UW Madison VA hospital and OSF Hospice and Home care for their kind and gentle care of Michael and his family. The family would also like to give special thanks to Mark VanVleck and Steve Graceffa for all of their assistance with getting Michael to his appointments at the VA.
Memorial visitation to be held Thursday March 9, 2017 from 4:00-6:00pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave with military honors presented at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers memorials to Fisher House Foundation. Express condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.