Susan Welch

To those who knew Susan Welch, she will be remembered her for her kind and caring heart. For those who loved Susan, they will treasure the memory of her insatiable love for adventure and life. For anyone that was blessed to have known her, they saw her unmistakable joy in the Lord and the devotion with which she exemplified God’s love. It wasn‘t uncommon for Susan to put the needs of others before her own, and in the end, it was the very thing that brought her the greatest joy. A devoted wife, loving mother, attentive grandmother, and dedicated friend, Susan will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Susan’s story began in 1938 during a time of mixed blessings in America. While the U.S had come a long way since the early days of the Great Depression, times continued to be a struggle as Americans slowly regained economic strength. Everyday people found relief from their everyday worries while enjoying the sounds of Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald and the Andrew Sisters, and Superman even made his comic strip debut that year. It was also the beginning of the U.S. dependency on Saudi Arabian oil fields that would continue for decades to come, and the threat of war loomed overseas. During these uncertain times the world was made brighter with the birth of Susan Jane Mindrum. Just as the warm summer months were giving way toward autumn, little Susan’s birth on August 14, 1938 was a blessing in the lives of her welcoming parents.

Susan’s father, an engineer, worked for NASA and held patents on several of his designs. Her mother was a homemaker and looked after the children. While eight years younger than her older sister, Marilyn, Susan’s family suffered a terrible loss with the death of her sister Nancy at the age of two, before Susan had even been born. While growing up, Susan and her family lived in Duluth and Minneapolis, Minnesota as well as Milwaukee, Wisconsin before settling in Battle Creek, Michigan during Susan’s high school years. Although moving about during her formative years was difficult at times, Susan’s outgoing nature and fun personality allowed her to become a friend to many. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1956 and in 1959 she received her RN degree from the Bronson School of Nursing.

While attending school as a young nursing student, Susan agreed to a blind date arranged by two friends, and her life was never the same. From the moment Susan and Ken Welch held hands while ice skating on West Lake, a friendship soon formed and grew to include a close bond of love over the next two years. On October 10, 1959, they were happily blessed in marriage before a congregation of family and friends at First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Settling in as newlyweds in the Kalamazoo area, Ken began working at Continental Can Company in nearby Three Rivers while Susan took on her first of many duties as an RN. One of the most important assignments of Susan’s life was becoming a mother with the birth of their son Steven in 1960. They were equally blessed when Micki came along in 1961, followed by Kelly in 1963. With their family now complete, blending a career and motherhood came natural to Susan.

Along with Ken’s varied interests and Susan’s zest for life, their family life was often fun-filled and full of adventure. Memorable times were shared during the holidays and on several family vacations and trips, especially visiting Susan’s uncle on his large cattle ranch in Montana. A good cook, Susan’s Thanksgiving dinners were a family favorite. Susan and Ken shared much, especially faith. Living in Mattawan, they raised their children as members of First Congregational Church where Susan served in the bell choir and used her cooking talents for church dinners and soup suppers. Her knack for sewing and knitting, along with being crafty in general, was also a way Susan gave herself to others and her church over the years.

As a couple, Ken and Susan demonstrated Christian devotion to each other and their family. Susan found great joy when grandchildren began to bless her life. She loved them dearly and loved being a part of their lives. Even though it was an hour’s drive to their events, Ken and Susan loved watching their grandkid’s activities and took an active interest in all they did. Content in the company of her family and friends, Susan enjoyed her time with them just as much as they found pleasure in her. Ever loving and kind, her outgoing nature and pleasant grace was their delight. Susan liked being where the action was and where she could exemplify her zest for life with those she loved.

With her nurturing ways, Susan was a natural caregiver. Throughout the years she had much opportunity to demonstrate her caring and thoughtful demeanor through her work. For a time she worked at Lakeview Hospital in Battle Creek and for a few private practices. She went on to earn her BSN and began teaching at the VanBuren Skill Center and taught nursing at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. A friend to many, Susan was well liked and admired by many of her students. It never bothered Susan one bit when people sought her medical advice. She gladly gave her time and help anytime it was needed. Her credits included working for the Jasper Clinical Investigation Clinic as well as for the Bronson Clinical Investigation Unit. After many years of dedicated care in her profession, Susan retired from nursing in the early 90s from Bronson Hospital.

After Ken eventually retired from the Upjohn Company, he and Susan spent their retirement years together enjoying a little travel. Susan had more time to read her favorite murder and medical mysteries, and they thoroughly enjoyed traveling and camping in their RV where they made many friends over the years. Thoroughly enjoying one another’s company, they went on several cruises and enjoyed a memorable trip to Germany. Along with visiting their family, they spent time wintering in Florida.

Susan Welch was simply a loving person who gave her all to her faith, family and profession. She loved people and was a nurturing caregiver in all that she did. She demonstrated God’s love in many ways that will be treasured in the hearts of many for years to come. A thoughtful soul who held a zest for life, Susan will be sadly missed and forever held in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Susan Jane Welch of Kline’s Resort, formerly of Mattawan, died on Friday, January 8, 2010 at Bronson Hospital following a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth R. Welch on May 1, 2008. Members of Susan’s family include her children: Steve (Cathy) Welch of Schoolcraft, Micki Welch of Plainwell, and Kelly (Casey) Fisher of Mattawan; a sister, Marilyn Caster; and her eight grandchildren.

Learn more about Susan, view her Life Story film and visit with her family on Sunday from 2:00-6:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw 657-3870. A service to honor her life will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 11:00 AM at the same location. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo of Susan, and sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Kalamazoo Christian Church Food Bank.