Peter Welsch, 84, formerly of the Mott area died Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Peter’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 28, 2008, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Jim Braaten as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Stephen’s Cemetery south of Richardton with military honors provided by the Richardton American Legion, Theo R. Zech Post #180. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m., with Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB presiding.
Peter Welsch was born November 29, 1923, on the family farm in Stark County of North Dakota, the son of Karl and Katie (Jordan) Welsch. He was raised in Stark County and received his education through country school.
Peter served honorably in the United States Navy from June 29, 1944 through June 1, 1946. Upon his discharge he returned home and on September 13, 1949 he married Mary Ann Jahner at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Mott.
Peter and Mary Ann farmed together for 11 years prior to moving to her grandparents farm 3 1/2 miles south of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. They ran a grain and dairy operation from 1961 to retirement in 1986, eventually moving into Dickinson in 1991. He was involved with RSVP, especially enjoying greeting visitors at the Pioneer Machinery Museum in Dickinson. He delivered the Pennysaver, worked at the Evergreen as a “handyman”, tilled many gardens, and mowed numerous lawns.
Peter belonged to the St. Pius Verein, the Knights of Columbus, Eagles, American Legion, VFW, St. Anthony Club and St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. He enjoyed dancing, playing cards, bowling, and traveling. Near and dear to his heart, was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was very resourceful, being able to fix nearly anything –he was our handyman.
Peter is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; their five daughters: Sandra (John) Glaser, Gardner, Kan., Sherryl (Leon) Friedt, Mott, Karen (Duane) Zent, Lefor, Karla Welsch, Dickinson, and Wanda (Todd) Johannsen, Black Hawk, S.D.; 13 grandchildren: Jerry Glaser, Jackie (Chuck) Schulz, Janelle (Duane) Braaten, Audrey Friedt, Greg (Tara) Friedt, Curtis Friedt, Tonya Friedt, LeeAnn (David) Staffne, Kayla Zent, DelRae (Joshua) Reisenauer, Garrett Zent, Ben and Abby Johannsen; seven great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Lena Edmunds, Dickinson, and Katherine Schulz, Mott. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and four brothers.
