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WILLIAM F. WELK JR.

William F. (Bill – The Chief) Welk Jr., 87, of Alpena passed away Thursday, July 25, 2019, at Medilodge of Green View with his daughter by his side.

Bill was born in Alpena on Nov. 5, 1931, to the late Alma (Bromund) and William Welk, Sr. He married the love of his life, Marie Spragg on Aug. 30, 1952, at St. Paul Lutheran Church and they spent 60 years together before she passed away in Nov. 2012.

They moved to Detroit where he went to school for his Journeyman Card and became a tool & die maker, retiring from G.M. in 1995, at which time they returned to Alpena. His nickname, “The Chief,” came from his buddies at the plant.

He was a very active man who enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, traveling, bike riding, and shooting pool for 20 years in the Moose League. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Alpena Moose Lodge, Alpena Sno-Drifters and the UAW Retirees Group. His sense of humor was well known, and he had a nickname for nearly everyone, including his daughter and grandchildren.

Surviving are his daughter, Susan “Proosie” Moore (Bob Madsen); two grandchildren, Christopher “Fer” Moore (Jennie Walker and Ethan), Courtney “Brat” Moore, SSGT (Ret); sister, Margaret Kirby, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Welk was preceded in death by his son, Michael Welk; son-in-law, James Moore; three sisters, Laurine and Richard Lytle, Ethel and Henry Michel, and Jane and George Lockard, as well as his baby brother, Richard.

Visitation will take place Sunday at Bannan Funeral Home from 2-8 p.m. and continue Monday at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at noon with Rev. John Shipman officiating.

Interment: Spratt Cemetery

Memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Alpena or Medilodge of Green View activities.