Michael E. Welsh

Michael E. Welsh

November 12, 1942 – May 16, 2024

Michael Eugene Welsh, of Omaha, Nebraska peacefully passed away Thursday, May 16th, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born to Joseph & Rose Welsh on November 12th, 1942, in Omaha, NE.

Mike, nicknamed “Mikey” by his sister Irene, grew up in Omaha, where his favorite pastimes as a kid were playing down by the Papio Creek and hanging out on the train tracks. Did you know, Mike had an imaginary friend when he was 5 years old in the first grade named Skip the turtle. On the farm, Mike loved driving tractors and feeding cattle with his brothers. Fun fact, when Mike was asked about his first car, he was 19 years old & had bought a 1947 4-door Chevy Coupe for $25. He graduated from Cathedral High School and attended Nebraska Vocational Technical School in Milford, Nebraska for Diesel Technology. In 1964 Mike volunteered and served in the United States Marines Corp. Reserve for 6 years. He excelled and was promoted to a Sergeant and was a committed solider and patriot.

In October of 1965, while sitting in his pickup truck, Mike proposed to his best friend Kathleen Kiefer. They were then married on April 23rd, 1966, at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska. Mike and Kathie started their family in Ralston, Nebraska and had their two daughters Michelle (Joe, Annie, Jack) and Rosie (Mark, Emily, Renee & Joe S.). In June of 1971, Mike and Kathie moved to a farm in Springfield, Nebraska, where Kevin (Heather, Mackenzie, Cassidy, Landon) and Tom (Trista, Jenny, Aidan, Elizabeth) were born.

Mike had numerous jobs, starting at the age of 12 making a $1.25 driving a truck for his dad and his brother Jerry. Throughout his career, he farmed, ran the family’s Welsh’s Night Service, worked for Mac Trucks, Custom Carriers, Nebraska Testing, and Elliot Equipment as a mechanic. 

Mike loved his family dearly, and always supported them in all of their activities. He enjoyed farming, photography, trains, and was always Mr. Fix-It. Some of Mike’s favorite pastimes were taking his grandchildren train chasing and eating Orsi’s cheese bread and donuts.

When asked about the best advice he received from his dad, Mike said, “Always be proud of who you are and be honest.” Mike also had many personal life mantras and sayings, including, “God hates a coward”, “You’re full of rabbit raisins”, “Ruhroh”, “Hell of a deal”, “I’ll-be-darned”, “Dummkopf”, “Shucky darn horsefeathers”, and “You can ask for the world, and the worst they can say is no.”

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rose Welsh; his wife, Kathleen Kiefer Welsh; and his siblings, Kenny Welsh, Jerry Welsh, and Geraldine Croft. He is survived by his children and their spouses; grandchildren; and his siblings, George Welsh, Irene Beckstead, and Tom Welsh.

VISITATION: Wednesday, May 22^nd from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, May 23^rd at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield, NE, 102 S. 9^th St.  Graveside Service: Thursday, 2:30pm at Calvary Cemetery (meet at the cemetery).  In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.