Betty Welch, age 89, passed away peacefully Saturday September 5, 2026 at her home in Redgranite.
Betty was born in Rhinelander in March of 1937, the daughter of Frank and Margaret Baudhuin.
As a child, she loved horses and was a bright and popular student, chosen as Prom Queen, and graduating with honors from Rhinelander High School in 1955. She attended the Teachers College in Merrill, graduating with her teacher’s certification in 1957.
While working at a local grocery store when home for the summer she met the love of her life, Bill Welch, who was working in the Rhinelander area. Bill had already started a Christmas tree farm in Redgranite, but at that time had only a promise of a successful future to offer. They were married in August of 1957 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rhinelander and moved to an old farmhouse in the Burr Oak Valley, north of Redgranite.
A strong partnership was formed not just as a family, but as a growing farm business. Betty was always a full partner in the business, keeping track of the finances while also being a full time Mom. It is impossible to imagine Welch Trees Farms being successful without Betty’s ability to stretch a dollar.
As her sons were getting older, she did some substitute teaching and tutoring, but the family and the farm were always her first priority.
Betty loved the rural life and the solitude it provided. She and Bill were very involved in Redgranite community organizations such as the Redgranite snowmobile club, St. Marks Ladies’ Sodality, the Redgranite Civic Center, and the PTO. They were also very involved in both the state and national Christmas Tree Growers Association.
She was an avid skier and golfer and member of Mascoutin Country Club in Berlin. She and Bill also enjoyed going out to eat and were “regulars” and “favorite customers” in many local restaurants. She also read constantly – everything from cozy mysteries, histories, and biographies to current events.
But always, she worried about, prayed for, and loved her family.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William Welch; her parents and sister.
She is survived by 2 sons: Robert (Jeanne) Welch and Brian (Lisa Hanson) Welch – both of Redgranite; Her Grandchildren: Adam Welch, Sarah (Matthew Jonas) Hackett, and Peter (Brianna Stapleton) Welch. And Great Grandchildren: Sam Welch, Zeke Renfro, Aliana Welch, Makeda Renfro-Sargent, Lydia Hackett and Rex Hackett.
A visitation will be held at St. Marks Catholic Church in Redgranite on Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. followed by a Memorial Mass at the Church. After the interment at St. Mark’s Cemetery, a remembrance gathering will be held at Jorgie’s, N3084 Cty. Rd. XX, in Borth.
The Ruminski Funeral Home of Redgranite is assisting the family with arrangements. (920) 566-2313.
“How do you do and where have you been? I haven’t seen you in again and again.”
