CURTIS - Leland Douglas Welch, 67, of Curtis, died July 28, 2005, at Sunset Haven Nursing Home in Curtis.

He was born Sept. 20, 1937, at Farnam, to Robert and Mildred Spencer Welch. He graduated from Farnam High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963.

On Nov. 11, 1964, he married Reva Rigdon in North Platte. She preceded him in death Feb. 17, 1990. He married Terry Cole Dec. 15, 1985, in Indianola. After his military service, he began farming south of Moorefield. In 1998, the family received the AkSarBen Pioneer Family Award for the farm that was in their family for over 100 years. He farmed and ranched his entire life. He loved his family even more than farming. He enjoyed wrestling, camping and boating.

Survivors include his wife, Terry Welch of Curtis; a daughter, Amy Jo Welch of Curtis; three sons, Bradley (Lori) Welch of Curtis, Donnie (Fiancé Heather Williams) Welch of Curtis, and Dawson Welch of Curtis; grandchildren, Kallie and Shawn Welch of Curtis; a brother, Donald (Pat) Welch of Alliance; a brother-in-law, Ken Pedersen of North Platte; special kids, Rusty Taper and Hanna Colson; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ruth.

Memorials will go to a future scholarship in the name of Doug Welch at Medicine Valley High School in Curtis.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Berean Fundamental Church in Curtis with the Rev. Steve Demoret officiating. Burial will be in the Moorefield Cemetery in Moorefield.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday Blase-Wetzel Funeral Home in Curtis.

North Platte Telegraph, 31 July 2005