Robert Welch

Robert Earl Welch, 71, of Fort Ripley, MN died Saturday, February 20, 2016 at his home. A Memorial Service for Robert will be 11:00AM, Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter with Pastor Diane Ciesluk officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation one hour prior to services.

Robert was born June 27, 1944 to Earl and Muriel (Flanders) Welch in Minnetonka. He graduated from Hopkins High School. Robert worked with his father at Welch Excavating in Mound, MN. He obtained his Real Estate and Broker's license. Robert taught real estate school in the Twin Cities and then moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area in 1990. He was the owner of Target Realty and taught real estate school at Central Lakes College. Robert had a huge passion for horses, which is how he met Holly. Robert was united in marriage to Holly on June 1, 1963 in Hopkins, MN. He enjoyed anything to do with horses; he was a true "Cowboy", he loved spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends, and cowboy action shooting. Robert was on the St. Mathias Township Board; he was a member of the Brainerd Realtor Association.

Robert is survived by his children, Scott (Kathy) Welch of Watertown, MN, Michael (Jessie) Welch of Clemmons, NC; sisters, Nancy Welch, Susie Davis, Judy Blue; grandchildren, Tanner, Colby, Bryce, Hannah and Hailey; his lifelong friends, Steve Vollmer and Skip Cottrill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Muriel Welch; and his wife, Holly. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.