Michael Duane Welch was born November 10, 1963 in Vesteberg, Michigan to Fred and Carolyn (Bauder) Welch. Mike passed away October 10, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. He was preceded in death by his young brother, William Welch and his father, Fred Welch.

Mike was in the U.S. Army from 1985 until 1988. Servicing as a helicopter mechanic. 

Mike attending the University of Michigan and received a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a specialty in sexuality and relationships. Mike spent almost 10 years working alongside veterans and their families at the Veterans Administrations of Florida, helping them to readjust into normal life, and to deal with hardships and struggles they dealt with during their service. During his time at the VA, one of his proudest achievements was his certification for helping others deal with military sexual trauma.

Mike married Denise Lorraine Cogswell on August 28, 2000 in Monroe Michigan. While living in Monroe. Mike became the loving father of James Kelsey Cogswell, and roughly a year later, they welcomed their son, William Scott Welch, into the world and their family. The family moved to Florida eventually settling into their current resident in Riverview, FL.

Mike and William have been caretakers of Denise, who had a debilitating stroke in 2024. Michael retired from the VA early in 2025 to further assist with the caretaking of his beloved wife.

William, James and James’ wife, Chelsea, were with Mike when he passed away. They were there for his last moments, and made every effort to make certain he knew he was loved. He had defeated cancer several times in his life, but unfortunately, it is cancer that ultimately took him from us, far too soon.

Mike will live in the hearts of his wife of 26 + years, Denise L. Welch; his sons, James K. Cogswell, James’ wife Chelsea and William S. Welch; as well as his mother, Carolyn Welch, brothers Joe and Bryan Welch, his sister, Theresa L. Buechler, his step mother, Debra Welch, and his mother-in-law, Pat Cogswell. Mike cared deeply for his family and will be forever loved by many. Mike will be missed by all those he touched in his short time on this earth.

It is in our hearts he shall forever stay, a strong figure for those he loved, and an advocate for those he helped.