John MacMillan Welcher Sr.

John “Jack” MacMillan Welcher Sr, 94, of Gaylord passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at Caretel Inn, Brighton, Michigan.

Born April 8, 1931, on Mackinac Island, John was the son of John C. and Delia E. (Donnelly) Welcher. He grew up on Mackinac Island, graduating from Mackinac Island High School in 1949. John met Miriam Uponen who was working on the island for his aunt. Their friendship blossomed and they married in Moran, Michigan on October 6, 1951.

They lived in Rudyard for 3 years, then returned to Mackinac Island for 13 years, where John worked as a police officer, then served as the Chief of Police. In the late 50’s to early 60’s John owned and operated the “Island Livery Stable” employing residents and serving businesses. He was a skilled welder fabricating steel and erecting it for the MRA/Mackinac College. He also drove and built carriages for Carriage Tours, Inc. In 1967, the family moved from the Island to Rudyard where they lived for many years. During his years in Rudyard, John was an insurance agent, managed private livery rentals for Carriage Tours, and operated his brochure distribution company for the tourism industry.

John’s community involvement on the Island included Justice of the Peace, city treasurer, volunteer fireman, the Lion’s Club, and a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. He was also an EMT in Rudyard.

John’s love of music and self-taught approach resulted in him playing many instruments, mastering the piano and accordion. He loved sharing his music with others. He was very proud of the book he wrote, “Growing Up on Mackinac Island in the 30’s and 40’s.”

After retiring, John moved to Gaylord where he attended the First Presbyterian Church. He moved to Brighton in August 2024.

John is survived by his children, Marie (William) Garrettson of Port Huron, Gayle (Farley) Welcher Smith of Rusk, TX, William (Pat) Welcher of Ypsilanti, Katherine (Mark) Whitney of Ypsilanti, Keith (Rhonda) Welcher of Gaylord, and John (Meta) Welcher of Hamburg; 12 grandchildren, Lindsey Sorensen, Travis Garrettson, Joshua (Amanda) Garrettson, Cristie Johnson, Lee (Nikki) Dunnam, William “Billy” (Kaylyn) Welcher, Jr., Lee (Stephanie) Whitney, Patrice Whitney (Farraz Daudi), Elyse Welcher, Camille Welcher, Kelli (John) Sparrow, Caitlin Sheridan; 21 great grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his first cousin, Kathleen Hoppenrath of Mackinac Island who cherished each other like brother and sister, and several cousins in Michigan and greater Chicago.

John was preceded in death by Miriam on July 16, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Juanita, (May 2013), and his third wife, Carolyn, (January 2025). He was preceded in death by his half-sister June Yaw (2014).

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at Little Bear East Arena and Convention Center, 275 Marquette St, in St. Ignace, MI 49781. Private burial will be held on June 30th on Mackinac Island.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.