Michael A. Welsch, age 77 of Tawas City, Michigan, passed peacefully on Friday, April 14, 2023. He is survived by his wife of almost 46 years, Debra (Roach) Welsch, his sons Micah (Jennifer) Ferebee of Ashland City, TN, and Andrew Welsch of Mason, MI, brother Leonard (Pauline) Welsch of Indigo, CA, sisters Patricia Hansen of Fond du Lac, WI, Suzanne Huebner-Walters of EauClaire, WI, grandchildren Christian (Britt) Headden (nee Ferebee) of Franklin, TN, Anne and Wyatt Welsch of Mason, MI and great-granddaughter Lucy Lou Headden of Franklin, TN. Mike was preceded in death by his son Peter Welsch, father Leonard Welsch, mother Ruth Ann (Boese) Welsch and brothers Donald Welsch and Eugene Peter Welsch.
Mike led a life dedicated to public service. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in August of 1966, stationed at Wurtsmith AFB, Oscoda, MI, and was honorably discharged May of 1970 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He continued his public service by joining the Iosco County Sheriff Department as a jailer and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as a marine officer, road patrol, detective, detective sergeant, and undersheriff. During his tenure with the sheriff department, he became the first certified SCUBA diver employed by Iosco County and was responsible for the recovery of 25 bodies. He also worked as an undercover narcotics officer throughout the state of Michigan. After 11 years at the Iosco County Sheriff Dept., he became the probation officer for the 81st District Court and then later assumed the additional duties of court administrator.
Mike successfully ran for Iosco County Clerk in 1988 and held the position until retiring in 2007. During the years as Iosco County Clerk, he was appointed the representative of Iosco County to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Statewide Pool Board. The Statewide Pool Board then appointed him as their representative to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority board where he served for several years.
In 1997, the Northeast Sunrise Chapter of the American Business Women named him Business Associate of the Year. He was the longest serving president of the Michigan Association of County Clerks and was the president of United County Officers Association from 2005-2007. In 2001, he was recognized as the County Clerk of the Year.
At the time of his death, Mike was still serving as a member of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Statewide Pool Board, having previously served as chairman of the Statewide Pool Board of Directors. In addition, he was the representative for Iosco County on the AuSable Valley Community Mental Health board and served currently as chairman and held many other positions in past years.
In addition to his professional service, Mike has been an active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Tawas City. He was chairman of trustees, school board chairman and treasurer for the church. Mike enjoyed coaching his sons’ soccer teams and was also a referee and referee assessor for the Tawas Area Soccer Association. He was a member of the Tawas Area Kiwanis Club for over 20 years, serving as president from 1994-1995 and was awarded a George F. Hixon Fellowship, one of the highest honors the organization bestows. Mike also worked as a pyrotechnician for the Tawas Area Fourth of July fireworks for 20 years and was Grand Marshal in the 2001 Fourth of July parade.
Mike was an avid golfer, fisherman, and bowler. He was a wonderful cook and was often cooking for his friends and family. He enjoyed his retirement by spending part of the year in the Florida sunshine, which gave him the opportunity to golf all year round. When he was home in Michigan, he could be found behind the counter at Freel’s Market, at Tawas Creek Golf Course or at home cooking a meal. Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
The visitation and funeral will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, in Tawas City. The family will receive visitors from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Pastor Mark Lindloff will preside over the funeral at 11:00 AM with a luncheon provided after the service. Memorials can be given to the Emanuel Lutheran Church Pavilion Fund, 300 North St W, Tawas City, MI 48763. You may offer condolences at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.
