VERONA - Mark L. Welch, age 81, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Meriter Hospital in Madison. He was born on June 30, 1944, in Milwaukee, he was the son of Leo and Ingeborg Welch.

Mark started working as a teen at his family's restaurant, Welch’s Embers, where he later managed it for many years.

Mark married Sue Hansen, the love of his life, in 1971. The couple spent 10 years in Albuquerque, N.M., before settling back in Verona. Mark took great pleasure in golfing, sharing lunches with friends, traveling to Florida, and cheering on his grandsons and great-grandsons at sporting events.

Mark is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Sue; his daughter, Mary Sue (Rick) Olson; his grandsons, Reid (Sara) Olson and Nick (Kayla) Olson; his great-grandsons, Roman and Sal Olson; his sister, Kathy (Bob) Frambs; brother-in-law, Jerry Hansen; niece, Tammy (Craig) Haberkorn; nephews, Brian Frambs and Aaron Hansen; and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister-in-law, Gigi Hansen.

Visitation will be held at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona from 1 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. A brief memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mark’s doctors at UW Health and the exceptional medical team at Meriter Hospital. Mark deeply appreciated their compassionate care and kindness. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Mark L Welch

June 30, 1944 - January 29, 2026

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