Sept. 23, 1937 - Jan. 2, 2013

BRISTOL - Joel M. Welch, 75, of Longboat Key, Fla., and Bristol, passed away Jan. 2, 2013, in his home in Bristol.

Joel was born Sept. 23, 1937, in South Bend to the late Ralf M. and Roine (Smith) Welch.

On Aug. 2, 1958, he married Elizabeth "Betty" Mazzone.

She survives along with two sons, M. Scott (Kim) of Elkhart and Chris (Jenny) of Bristol, along with six grandchildren. In addition, Mr. Welch is survived by his two brothers, R. Dewey (Phyllis) of Naples, Fla., and Randall (Fran) of Vandalia, Mich.

Joel graduated from South Bend Central High School and received his bachelor's degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, where he was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity.

Most of his working career was spent at Barger Packaging. In addition, he had interests in the mobile home supply industry and distribution of small engines and parts.

Joel had been active in the Junior Achievement Program as well as United Way and Jaycees.

He was a big sports fan and particularly loved golf. He had been a member of Christiana Creek Golf Club, Elcona Country Club, Gator Creek (Florida) Golf Club and Signal Point Golf Club (Niles, Mich.).

Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. today, Jan. 4, 2013, at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home where services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, with the Rev. William Sullivan officiating.

Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice or any children's charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent at www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.

JIM FARROUGH, EUFAULA, AL Are condolences go out to the Welches. RIP old colleague.

Morris (Morry) Schrock, Avon, IN Sincerest condolences to the Welch family on the loss of Joel. I always considered him to be one of the few real "white hat" guys that I had the good fortune to be acquainted with in Elkhart. May God be with his family in their time of grief.

Donald and Martha Huffman, Bristol, IN Love and Condolences to the family and friends of Joel.

Marla Ott, Bristol, IN To the Welch family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Marla

Kelly, Jennifer & Goo-Goo McCormick, Elkhart, IN Our thoughts and prayers are with the Welch family in their time of loss. May God wrap His arms around his beautiful wife Betty, Scott, Chris and their families; & give them love and comfort as they move forward in their new journey. Love to the Welch family.

The Auger's, Elkhart, IN Our thoughts and prayers are with the Welch Family. Mike,Cathi, Meg and Matt