B. Caryn Welter

B. Caryn Welter
Holt, MI
B. Caryn Welter, age 82, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Born on August 10, 1942, in Petoskey, Michigan, Caryn was the only child of Sanford and Elsie (Jones) Nelson. She grew up in Ovid, graduating with the Class of 1960, and went on to earn her master's degree in teaching from Michigan State University-a place that remained dear to her heart throughout her life.
Caryn dedicated her career to education, teaching 3rd and 5th grade students in the Okemos Public Schools. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom, as she also served as President of the Okemos Education Association, where she was a steadfast advocate for teachers and staff.
Deeply devoted to her faith and the arts, Caryn was an active member of Central United Methodist Church in Lansing. There, she served faithfully as Director of Music Ministries and Worship Arts, organist, pianist, and choir director. Her musical gifts touched many, and her leadership reached beyond her local church. She was the organist at the MSU Alumni Chapel, a past president of the Lansing Ministry of Bells, and served on the WKAR Community Advisory Board as well as the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts for the West Michigan Conference.
A gifted collaborator and inspiring educator, Caryn was known for building deep connections with soloists, choir members, students, colleagues, and fellow musicians. Her faith was the foundation of her life and was expressed beautifully through her worship planning, musical artistry, and care for others.
Caryn had a deep love for nature and treasured time spent at the family cottage on Morrison Lake. She found great joy in traveling with her beloved husband and best friend, Gene. Above all, Caryn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was intelligent, compassionate, a tireless champion for justice, and blessed with a sharp sense of humor. Caryn had a rare gift for making the world more joyful and meaningful-she made life sing, and she is surely still singing.
She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Gene Welter; their son, Kirk (Brenda) Welter; grandchildren Amanda (Tyler) Long, James (Alicia) Welter, Austin Welter Shayna Brummette, and Kelsey Corr; great-grandchildren Remy Long and Everly Welter; as well as many extended family members and dear friends. Caryn was preceded in death by her parents and son, Tim Welter.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Central United Methodist Church in Lansing.
To share memories or leave online condolences, please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.