Richard "Rick" Welch

Richard Brent Welch passed away peacefully on Friday, May 26, 2023, with his girls by his side.  He was born in Oshkosh, WI on July 27, 1951, to Rial and Nina (Hendrick) Welch.

After attending Technical School, Rick joined Mercury Marine Product Division as an accessory mechanic.  It was there that Rick was taught how to build Mercury race engines and Speed Master lower units.  Approximately five years later, Rick was promoted to technician and eventually was promoted to the World Class Mercury Racing Team where he was able to travel Europe representing and being a part of the Mercury World Racing Team.  Rick then accepted a position to be the Mercury High Performance Manager in Australia on a two-year work visa.  Australia was just the beginning of Rick and Judi’s many adventures in life, living it to the fullest and loving each other every day.  Upon returning from Australia, they settled and built their lake life in Pewaukee, WI.

Rick was an amazing and hardworking salesman representing world class boating brands with the most amazing penmanship; he could sell ice to Eskimos in the middle of a snowstorm.  He was wildly respected in the retail and boating industry and was proud of all his accomplishments and who he was able to represent in his many years in the industry.

Rick was a treasure.  “Ricky Baby” was a good friend, life-long companion, hippie uncle, Godfather, brother, devoted husband, a special father and the most amazing “gramps”.  He had a way about him that always made you feel special in that moment.  He loved to surprise people and always happened to show up unannounced at the right place at exactly the right time.  He was everyone’s biggest fan and thought of so many as his heroes in life.

He loved fishing, boating, race cars and the many fun-filled trips to Lac Vieux Desert and Key Largo.  He loved to reminisce and plan new adventures with his wife Judi of 46 years, as they sat and enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee on the end of the pier.  He loved his daughter more than anything and would always make her feel special.  His grandkids brought him laughter and a love with no end.  He loved fishing with Cole and the talks they would have on their boat.  He loved watching Sawyer play football and baseball and hearing that crack of the bat.  He loved his sweet Ruby, his little princess full of spunk and joy.  He just loved to see people happy and smile.

He enjoyed living his best life with his favorite people on the lake with his everlasting motto “Life is Good”.

He is survived by his wife Judi (Splitt), daughter Cortney, Son-in-Law Bill; three grandchildren Cole, Sawyer and Ruby; siblings Bill, Janie and Wendy; an abundance of wonderful and loving nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and siblings Bobby, Tubby and Nina.

Rick’s celebration will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 4p.m. with a farewell remembrance to follow at 6p.m. at Yonke & Son Funeral Home in Pewaukee.  Come grab a chocolate chip cookie and dress like you're going on a boat ride.  The family insists that people donate to the Make a Wish Foundation, http://wish.org>wisconsin or Walleyes for Tomorrow – Pewaukee Chapter, P.O. Box 123, Pewaukee, WI 53072 in lieu of sending flowers.