Bob WelschCOLUMBUS
Bob Welsch, 85, of Columbus, passed away January 29, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.
Bob was born September 10, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Clifford and Lorraine Senn Welsch. He married Nancy Phillips on December 28, 1974.
For over 30 years, Bob was a teacher at Northside Middle School. His science lessons and personality were captivating and inspiring. Bob’s school spirit came through loud and clear with his enthusiasm at pep rallies and while coaching several sports. After his retirement, he continued to share his gift of teaching with countless guests at the Brown County Nature Center and many student teachers he supervised through IUPUC.
Bob discovered his love for traveling while in the Navy, particularly enjoying his time in Japan. His passion for travel combined with his heart for teaching led him to take many students on trips all over the country and world. This included church workcamps to North Carolina, many trips to the Rocky Mountain Field Ecology Institute in Colorado, and visits to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the United Kingdom with People to People.
Another passion of Bob’s was helping and serving others. He was a proud member of Kiwanis, volunteered at the Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum and Habitat for Humanity, participated in medical mission trips to Mexico, and served on the mission team at church for several years.
Above all, Bob demonstrated great love to his family and friends. He was devoted, generous, and always willing to genuinely listen and put others before himself. His passion for life, people, and learning was a beautiful example of a life well lived.
The funeral will be at 1:00 pm Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at First United Methodist Church with Revs. Howard Boles and Sarah Campbell officiating. Due to the global pandemic, only 50 people (including the family) are allowed to attend the service. You are invited to view the service online at www.jewellrittman.com or www.facebook.com/columbusfumc. Military Rites will be performed by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00pm Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral service Wednesday at the church. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Brown County State Park Nature Center, Medical Ministry International, Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, or First United Methodist Church.
Bob is survived by his wife; daughters Jackie (Steve) Deur of Holland, Michigan and Stephanie (Brad) Gambrel of Columbus; grandchildren Drew, Ethan, Emmett, and Lorri Deur, Jacob and Addie Knapp, and Chelsea, Kaz, Kalissa, and Naomi Gambrel; great-grandchildren Carsyn, Prestyn, and Benny; his twin brother Clifford “Bud” (Margaret) Welsch of DeWitt, Michigan; as well as a sister Ginger (Tom) Heitz of Fly Creek, New York.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home would like to thank everyone in advance for wearing masks and practicing social distancing while attending gatherings.
You are invited to send a message to the family via the internet.
