Obituary: Gordon Terry Welch
Author: Family of Gordon Terry Welch
Gordon Terry Welch
Family of Gordon Terry Welch
In Loving Memory of Gordon Terry Welch – February 6, 1938 – July 30, 2025
Gordon Terry Welch passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. Surrounded by devoted family members and cared for by compassionate doctors and nurses, he spent his final days enveloped in love. Gordon led an active and healthy life, continuing to walk several miles a day until a recent injury in July.
Born in Rexburg, Idaho, on February 6, 1938, to Wanda (Young) and John “Jack” Welch, Gordon moved with his family to Townsend, Montana, at the age of six—a place he proudly called home for the rest of his life.
He graduated from Broadwater County High School (1956) as a talented athlete who participated in basketball, football, and track. He enrolled at Montana State University in Bozeman, but he returned home midway through his first year, when his father passed away, because he wanted to help with the family farm. He stayed in Broadwater County and began his lifelong career in farming and ranching. His passion for sports endured throughout his life, and he was known to run 5K races well into his eighties.
In 1974, Gordon married Mary Olsen. Together, they built a loving and blended family that is their greatest joy. They supported their children through every endeavor, celebrating their hobbies, adventures, and milestones with pride. Gordon had a deep love for the land, especially riding horses, herding cattle, tending to chores, hunting, fishing, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Wanda and Jack, and his siblings, Bryan Welch, Margo Dundas, and Carmen Murphy.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary, and their children: Delbert (Shauna) Henry, Randy (Jami) Welch, Elizabeth (Eli) Clarkson, and Greg (Clare) Welch; his four children from a previous marriage to Marcia Schieno: Shane Welch, Wade (Mary Lou) Welch, Melanie (Kevin) Kimmel, and Marnie Welch (Doug Heiser); and his siblings: Marsha Marks, Bruce Welch, and Gary Welch. His legacy lives on through a large and cherished family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and an extended network of family, friends, and loved ones.
A service to honor Gordon’s life will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Townsend, Montana. Following the service, there will be a graveside dedication and a luncheon back at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice or to the Townsend LDS Church, whose support has been deeply appreciated during this time
Funeral Service
11:00 am, Friday, August 8 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 916 Broadway Street, Townsend, Montana 59644
Graveside Service Following the Funeral Service
Friday, August 8 at Deep Creek Cemetery: 50 Deep Creek Road, Townsend, Montana 59644
Following the Graveside Service
Friday, August 8 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 916 Broadway Street, Townsend, Montana 59644
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PhotoCredit: Gordon Terry Welch
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