Robert R. "Bob" Welsh

Robert R. “Bob” Welsh, 78 of Johannesburg, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 28, 2019.

Born in Johannesburg on November 8, 1940, Bob was the son of Jay S. and Alice L. (Palmer) Welsh.  A lifelong Johannesburg resident, Bob was born, lived his life and passed away on his family property.  After graduating from high school, Bob served in the United States Army from 1962-1965.

After returning to Johannesburg, Bob was married on August 7, 1965 to Pamela J. Dull.  Always a hardworking man, Bob worked at US Plywood in Gaylord and he was a well-loved bus driver in the Johannesburg Schools for 27 years.  He had a close relationship with many of the kids that rode his bus.  When not otherwise working, Bob had a firewood business, cutting and selling firewood from his home.

Bob was a longtime firefighter and EMT with the Charlton Township Fire Department where he served as Assistant Chief and Treasurer.  His first priority was his family; he loved spending time with his wife and children and he especially loved being a grandfather.  Bob was an avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed family camping, playing softball and gardening.

Surviving is Pamela, his wife of almost 54 years; a son, Ed (Kris Koronka) Welsh of Johannesburg; a daughter, Alice Welsh (Phil Cook) Hartzell of Hillman; grandchildren, Kelly Welsh, Lance Welsh, Lindsey Welsh, Ernie Hartzell and Tyler (Audrey) Hartzell; great grandchildren, Melodee Hartzell, Raelynn Hartzell, Beckett Hudson and Benson Hartzell; a brother, Melvin Welsh; a sister, Sarah Oliver and several nieces and nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Alma Welsh and Beth Goff; brothers, Vernon Welsh and Dick Welsh; a sister-in-law, Donna Welsh; and brothers-in-law, Don Goff and Clark Oliver.

Bob’s family will visit with friends from 4:00-7:00 PM Friday, June 7, 2019 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where a memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 8, 2019.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family for a memorial fund designation to be determined later.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com