Bert G. Welch, Jr.

Bert G. Welch, Jr., 70, of Sioux City passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at a Sioux City Hospital. Services and military honors by the U.S. Naval Reserves will be at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Monday, December 22, 2014 with Rev. Torey Lightcamp. Burial of his cremains will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Bert was born on October 21, 1944 in Sioux City to Bert G. and Virginia (Rowe) Welch, Sr. He graduated from Briar Cliff University with a BA in Business Management in 1985, and a MA in Educational Psychology and Counseling from USD in 1989. He practiced as a mental health counselor in the Sioux City area for 15 years, retiring in 2005. He was united in marriage to Debra Todd on November 11, 1989 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sioux City. Bert served his country in the US Navy from 1962 to 1976 and retired as Chief Petty Officer. While serving in the Navy in 1975 Bert suffered an automobile accident that resulted in quadriplegia. While this could have been devastating for many others in his circumstance, Bert made it his mission to live his life as an example in a way that would also encourage others to live their lives with integrity. Despite his physical disabilities, Bert was a very active and a productive member of society. Although he was confined to a wheelchair for 39 years, he was able to overcome his physical limitations and was an inspiration to others throughout his entire life. His disability provided and fueled his positive energy and attitude for life. He was active in a local men's group for several years which had been a great influence on the Siouxland area men. This group also served as a conduit for the Mankind Project. He spent countless hours volunteering at Siouxland Committee For The Handicapped, 8 years as the Chairman, Sioux City Schools Equal Opportunity in Education Committee, served on the Finance Committee as Vice President and President on the Siouxland Easter Seals Board, Sioux City Human Rights Commission, Siouxland Cares About Drug Alcohol Abuse and Domestic Violence, Frequent Pro Bono Counseling Sessions, Siouxland Cares Advisory Board, Siouxland Community Drug Court, Three Rivers Independent Living Board, and Three Rivers Independent Living Corporation as Interim Executive Director (pro bono). He was initiated in 1994 and was active in an I-group and had staffed a couple of NWTA. Bert was the recipient of the Ron Hering Award selected by the Central Plains Center in 2011. In Bert's free time, he was an avid reader who also enjoyed collecting Eagle paraphernalia, traveling yearly to Florida, living life to the fullest, and spending time with his family. He will be fondly remembered for his positive attitude and great sense of humor. He is survived by his wife Debra Welch of Sioux City; children Robert (Brenda) Welch of Chesapeake, VA; Michelle (Jared) Duckworth of Parker, CO; Eugene (Kristi) Welch of Sioux Falls, SD; Amy (Jim) Feddersen of Lawton, IA; and Jennifer (Matt) Kuenzi of Sioux Falls, SD; 15 grandchildren: Sam Welch; Sierra , Maya Moran; Eden Royer; Ethan, Josh Welch; Tylor Audino; Mike Feddersen; Ashley Duncan; Cody, Austin Feddersen; Evan, Noah, Mason, Morgan Kuenzi; and numerous brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Sherry Higginbothom. Memorials are to be sent to St. Thomas Episcopal Church.