Merel A. “Sonny” Welch, age 62, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning August 22, 2009, at the Marquette General Hospital. 
 
Sonny was born January 4, 1947 in Escanaba, MI.  He was raised in Hardwood, MI where he attended school. 

Sonny is remembered by family and friends as a fun-loving, caring and generous person.  He was the type of friend who would do anything for anyone whether he knew you for a longtime or just met you.

Sonny pursued several careers over the years.  He was a firefighter, for many years, in Orlando, Florida.  He eventually returned to Escanaba where he worked for various employers throughout the community.

Sonny was married to Pamela Oliver, for a period of time, and had three beautiful children. 

Sonny loved many things in his life.  He loved spending time with his children and had a great passion for fishing. 

In addition to his mother, Hazel, Sonny leaves to survive:

1 Son:  Sonny James Welch of Kinross, MI

3 Daughters:  Nicole (Jamie) Sinnaeve of Green Bay, WI; Shelly Dupras of Escanaba, MI; Amanda Goodchild of Escanaba, MI

4 Brothers:  Ronald, Allen, Jim and Clyde

4 Sisters:  Joan, Judy, Eileen and Ann

16 Grandchildren:  Brian, Rebecca, Austen, Marcques, Baily, Serra, Whisper, Gabriel, Ayden, Samantha, Amanda, Kayla, Jessica, Jacob, Kevin and Lucas

Many nieces, nephews and cousins. 
 
He was preceded in death by:

Step Father:  Albert Oakes

Sister:  Bonnie

Granddaughter:  Shaylee Marie  

Sonny’s family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00PM to 4:00PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba.  Funeral services celebrating the life of Merel A. “Sonny” Welch will follow visitation, at 4:00PM, at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt of the First Lutheran Church, officiating.