Clair J. Welch

Clair J. Welch, 84 of rural La Crescent, MN., passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023. He was born in Waukon, IA., on July 28, 1938 to Thomas and Venetta (Waters) Welch. He married Jane A. Anderson.

Clair was a lifelong farmer and enjoyed making the daily rounds to go chat with the neighbors always lending a hand when needed because that is just the kind of guy he was. He loved the place he called home and enjoyed sitting in his chair looking out the window at the farm bottoms often pontificating to whoever was there to listen. He was a wise man, often of few words, but if he had something to say you would be smart to listen because he was usually right.

Clair loved many things in his lifetime, including his farm, his horses, his dogs, making bread and wine, reading and his Irish heritage. But most importantly he loved his family. Clair was a loving husband to Jane for 51 years.  Jane and Clair raised 4 children together imparting a strong work ethic and integrity through their example on the farm and Clair’s work with Mathy Construction.  Clair was the proud grandpa to 4 grandchildren. He especially enjoyed having his grandkids visit and loved puttering around the farm with them quietly teaching them lessons along the way. He was a worker and a doer and was always busy working on something around the house or farm.

Clair is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jane; children, Ryan (Kate), Josh (Lorinda), Molly, and Megan (Brian) Gibbs; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Zach, and Tula; siblings, Richard (Ruth), Harold, and Annette (John) Waldron; and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.  Clair is preceded in death by siblings, Dale, Earl, and Darlene and granddaughter Elsa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the Church of The Crucifixion in La Crescent.  Rev. John L. Evans II will officiate. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call at the church on Thursday morning from 9am until the time of services.