R. DUANE "DEWEY" WELCH

Feb. 27, 1928 - April 22, 2013 ELKHART - R. Duane "Dewey" Welch, 85, passed away April 22, 2013, in Elkhart. He was born February 27, 1928, in South Bend, to Ralf and Roine (Smith) Welch. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 60 years, Phyllis (Hiatt) Welch; two children, Susan (Spyker), son, Patrick; and two granddaughters, Mallory and Merrill Welch; and a brother, Randall. Brothers Charles and Joel preceded Dewey's passing.

After graduation from South Bend Central High School, Dewey enlisted in the Army and served two years in Japan. Upon his discharge he enrolled at Indiana University, joined Sigma Nu Fraternity and graduated with a B.S. degree in Business.

He was employed at Barger Packaging Corporation for 42 years, succeeding his father as Chairman, President and C.E.O. He was a Director of First National Bank (Key Corp.), the Riblet Corporation, Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, Elkhart General Hospital and Elkhart Civic Theater. Also, a Past President of the Elcona Country Club, Exchange Club, Better Business Bureau and the Elkhart Chapter of the American Red Cross. In 1977 he was Elkhart County Chairman of United Way's highly successful fund drive. A loyal Indiana University Alumnus, Dewey served as President of I.U.'s National Alumni Association and the Distinguished Alumni Club. He is Past Chairman of I.U.'s Annual Giving Campaign, and a charter member of the Varsity Club and Well House Society. He served on the IUSB Advisory Council and was a Director of the I.U. Foundation. He was a man of generous spirit and enthusiasm who lived his life to the fullest and was a friend to many.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. today, April 24, 2013, at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home, Elkhart. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church. Reverend Ron Bowman will officiate.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com. Memorials may be sent to the Indiana University Foundation, PO Box 500, Bloomington, IN 47402; Elkhart's Center for Hospice Care; or The Midwest Museum of American Art.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Apr. 24, 2013.

03/09/2023 EJS