William Welch

WILLIAM "BILL" HARRY WELCH STERLING- William "Bill" Harry Welch, 81 of Sterling, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at CGH Medical Center. He was employed for 30 years at Sterling Multi-Products in Prophetstown, prior to retirement. Bill was born July 15, 1930 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Okel Orrie and Viola (Williams) Welch. He spent his early childhood in Cedar Rapids and moved to Sterling, while in grade school. In 7th grade, he met the love of his life, Joyce Eileen Carter. They were married December 24, 1949. Survivors include, his wife, Joyce and six children: five daughters, Kristin (Todd) Weinrich of Sterling, Randee (John) Malmberg of Rockford, Lori (Kevin) Jackson of Naperville, Lisa (Mark) Friederich of Wildwood, MO and Jennifer (Craig) Wilkens of Rockford; one son, Jon (Linda) Welch of Rockford; eight grandchildren Mathew McClelland, William (Lisa) Draugelis, Molly Jackson, Amanda, Danica and David Friederich and Caitlin & Colin Welch; one great-grandchild Madelynn Draugelis and one brother, Lenral Welch of Maquoketa, Iowa. He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Jacob Friederich, on June 18, 1985. After Bill retired, he found his second calling - helping his fellow man, Bill was a generous and giving man. He was an active volunteer and always eager to help a neighbor or the community. He was active in various charitable causes and projects including Habitat for Humanity. Bill was an active member of. St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling, the Sterling/Rock Falls Historical Society, and the Sauk Valley Interfaith Peace Action Group. He was active in various charitable causes and projects including Habitat for Humanity. Bill also, coached Little League Baseball, was active in the local Democratic Party and was an avid Cubs fan. Nothing would have pleased him more than for his beloved Cubs to win the World Series. Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, March 17, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Reverend Mark Oehlert, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Saturday, at St. John's Lutheran Church, prior to services. A memorial has been established. The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving. Albert Einstein Such a man was Bill Welch. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.