James “Keith” Welch, 89, of Galesburg, died at 11:38 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026, at home with his children by his side.
He was born August 23, 1936, in Macon, Missouri, the son of Lawrence S. and Mildred M. (Moss) Welch. He married Mary A. Wenzel on January 8, 1966, in Hart, Minnesota. She preceded him in death on November 1, 2018, after nearly 53 years of marriage.
James was raised and educated in Macon, Missouri, where he graduated from high school in 1954. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955 until being honorably discharged in 1962. He was an Airman First Class and mechanic who served during peacetime and was stationed in France and England. After he and Mary were married, they lived for two years in Winona, Minnesota, before moving to Galesburg in 1968. There, James worked for the CB&Q/Burlington Northern Railroad for more than 40 years. He then worked part-time for Wight Chevrolet and Yemm Chevrolet.
James was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, football, and baseball with his grandchildren. He was an avid camper, participated on a bowling league, and was a member of the Galesburg Horseshoe Club.
He is survived by a son, Brian K. Welch of Galesburg; a daughter, Nancy Collins of Galesburg; three grandchildren, Tayler Welch, Christopher (Brooke) Halsey, and Becky Collins; his dog, Ginger; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Arlene Wenzel of Winona, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Rosie Welch.
The family wishes to thank OSF Healthcare and Hospice workers Clarissa, Megan, Norma, Josh, and Charmista for the wonderful care they provided.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Funeral service will follow at noon with Rev. Steven Sommerer officiating. Military honors will be rendered after the service at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral with burial later in Hart Cemetery, Rushford, Minnesota.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, OSF Hospice, or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at h-p-w.com.
