Edward Welk

Ed, 'Eddie' Welk, 78 passed away on September 3rd, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Blodgett Hospital. He was born July 4th, 1946, in Oak Park, IL, the son of Robert and Jean (Rehm) Welk. He married Barbara Ryder on September 3rd, 1972.

He is survived by his wife, Barb, three children, Nicole (Greg) Carlson, Doug (Brittany) Welk, Laura (Doug) Hartman; seven grandchildren, Grace, Isabel, Maggie & Sam Carlson; Mykah Welk; and Dakota & Jakob Hartman; two sisters, Denise (Mark) Renie and Karla (Jim) Dobbeck, sisters-in-law, Susan Cull and Deb Ryder; and four nieces. Preceding him in death were his parents; his sister, Virginia; brothers-in-law, Dr. Roland Cull, John Sherman and Jack Ryder.

Ed was in the Navy for four years, stationed in Japan and the Philippines. When he got home in 1970, he met Barb and they got married two years later.

Ed received his undergraduate degree from Boston University, and later, his MBA from the University of Illinois.

During the mid-70's Ed began his journey into the political scene. He worked for Governor James R. Thompson from 1977 until 1991. He worked on the Senate staff for a number of years. He then had a great career as a lobbyist representing hospitals throughout Illinois.

While living in Rochester, IL, he was involved with the Rochester School Board from 1993-2009, acting as board president for a majority of those years.

Nearing his retirement, he and Barb moved to Fennville, Michigan where Ed continued his interest in local government and served on the Saugatuck Planning Commission for many years.

His many interests included cheering for the Bears having had season tickets for 55 years, gardening, entertaining friends at their home, cooking, enjoying political discussions with friends (or foes), checking the stock market ups and downs and fishing for musky in Canada and tarpon in Costa Rica.

BUT, his main interests and loves were his wife, three children, their spouses and his grandchildren. He reveled in all of their accomplishments and consoled them during any failures. He was a devoted friend to many people and trusted by everyone he met.

A Celebration of Ed's life will be held Monday, September 9th at the Community Church of Douglas, Michigan, visitation 10:00 until 10:45, with funeral services at 11:00.

A future service will be held at Koke Mill Christian Church in Springfield, IL on Saturday, October 12th at 2:00 p.m., with visitation preceding the service at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or Tunnel to Towers. Eddie truly believed in taking care of veterans.