The world got a little quieter and a little less bright on June 7, 2026, when Jon Welch, also known as JDW, J Dubbs, Dad, “Grandpa Jon”, and Bumpa passed from complications of an aggressive cancer in his home, surrounded by family.

Jon was born September 28, 1951, in Madison, WI, the first of five children born to Richard and Alice (nee Harms) Welch. He lived his life committed to working hard, playing hard, and loving his family.

He graduated from Edgewood High School in 1969, served in the Coast Guard reserves from 1969-1975, and worked as a plumber for over 50 years. His most fulfilling work came from working alongside his wife, Sue, and daughter, Kim, owning and managing several apartment buildings in the Madison and Mount Horeb area.

Jon was an avid model railroader, pickleball and tennis player, boater, and skier. He loved to water ski, but only between August 1 and 2-“when the water temperature is just right.”

He lived the last 11 years of his life in a beautiful home just outside Mount Horeb, WI, where he loved to work on the property clearing trees, tending the prairie, and puttering in his shop, which was so big it needed its own address.

Jon’s lifelong love of model railroading was displayed through his beautiful train layout, which he spent countless hours building, refining, and filling with scenes from his life and the lives of those close to him.

The spark of his memory is kept alive by his wife of 48 years, Sue, who he called Ocean; his three children, Katy (Adam), Tyler (Sarah Amalia), and Kim (Ben); grandchildren, Ila, Isaac, Ian, Sienna, and Tucker; additional family, Ed (Dawn) and Emily; and countless other friends, relatives, and strangers who were lucky enough to encounter his joy, gregariousness, and occasionally grumpiness.

A celebration of life will be held in late September at Tyrol Basin ski area.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Habitat for Humanity of Dane County (habitatdane.org).

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077

Jon D Welch

September 28, 1951 - June 07, 2026

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