Welch, Paul V. 1918-2006

WELCH, ANDERSON, ECKHEART, BROOKS, WAGNER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/16/2012 at 12:02:17

Paul V. “Peck” Welch, 88 of Decorah, Iowa passed away Thursday, November 9, 2006 in Hospice care at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah after a long illness.

Peck was born June 10, 1918 in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Devilbiss High School in Toledo in 1935. After high school graduation he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians Farm League. He played minor league baseball for the Fargo Moorhead Twins of the Northern League from 1935-1946. During this time he met Dorothy Anderson and they were married October 5, 1940 in Toledo Ohio. When World War II broke out he was drafted by the Coast Guard. Peck continued to play baseball while in the service in New London, CT.

After the war he returned to Fargo/ Moorhead and continued his baseball career. An injury during spring training in 1946 in Gaston, Alabama ended his career. However, baseball was still a part of his life and he umpired for Fargo/Moorhead area colleges and softball teams. Peck was also invited to umpire for the 1964 American Legion World Series in 1964 in Bismarck, N.D. He was proud to say his was a mentor to the late Roger Maris and they became good friends.

Peck worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad in Fargo until his retirement in 1978. He and his wife, Dorothy moved to Anaheim, California where they lived for 13 years. They moved to Decorah, IA in 1991 to be closer to their family.

During his retirement years he became an avid golfer and was proud of a hole in one he made at the South Winneshiek Country Club in July of 1991.

Peck is survived by his bride of 66 years, Dorothy (Anderson) Welch of Decorah, IA; two daughters, Georgiann (Doug) Eckheart, and Terrie Brooks all of Decorah IA; five grandchildren, Janee (Ross) Anderson of Washington, IA., Paul (Elaine) Eckheart, of Spring Grove, MN., Sara Wagner, of Boone, IA., Kyle (Lynda) Eckheart, of Decorah, IA. and Justin (Annie) Brooks of San Pedro, CA; ten great-grandchildren, Ashley, Jordan, Zachary, Lucas, Rachel, Ben, Kendra, Koltyn, Logyn, and Sophia.

Peck was preceded in death by his parents of Toledo, Ohio, and his great-grandson, Nathan Eckheart in July, 1995.

His wishes were to be cremated and a Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at a later date. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah, Iowa is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, Winneshiek County Unit, 801 Clearview Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101 or Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice, 901 Montgomery St., Decorah, IA 52101

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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