EVANSVILLE - Thomas Raymond “Tom” Welch passed away on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. He was born on May 9, 1943, to John and Helen (Leve) Welch. He grew up in Madison and attended West High. Tom joined the U.S. Navy in September 1962 and served on the USS Taconic and the USS Mount McKinley. He left the service in April 1967. Tom married Carol Paulus on Sept. 9, 1972. They welcomed their son, Ryan, in October 1979. Prior to his retirement in 2001, he worked at Webcrafters as a pressman.

Tom was a life-time member of American Legion Post 534 in McFarland, Wis., a life-time member of VFW Post 7591 in Madison, Wis., and a life-time member of the Military Order of the Cootie Pup Tent 41 in Madison, Wis. He was also a member of the Madison Veterans Firing Squad through the V.A. for several years and was honored to provide Military Honors for area veterans.

Tom leaves behind his wife, Carol; his son, Ryan (April) Welch, Sun Prairie, Wis; step-daughter, Axa (BJ) Jones, Gettysburg, Pa.; grandchildren, Jennifer Welch, Keegan Welch, Nathan Jones and Jaden Jones; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, especially Bill Leve. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bill (Pat) Welch; his father and mother-in-law, Gene and Marilyn Paulus; and his sister-in-law, Karen Bowers.

A funeral service with Military Honors will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, followed by a luncheon at VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Military Honors will be provided by the Madison Veterans Firing Squad. Private burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Oregon.

Many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and technicians at the William S. Middleton VA Hospital and their Hospice Unit and to the nurses and aides of St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion in taking care of Tom and his family during this illness.

Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Thomas Raymond Welch

May 09, 1943 - December 01, 2023

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