Frank W. Welch

Mr. Frank W. Welch, 89, of Morris, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, June 14, 2009, at the Morris Hospital with his family by his side.

Born April 19, 1920, on his family's farm south of Pontiac, Ill., in Livingston County, he was the son of Walter F. and Nora (Pleger) Welch. He was a graduate of Dwight High School with the class of 1938.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as a flight instructor.

He married Bette J. Kindelspire in July 1942.

He was employed with Kroger Grocery & Baking Co. from 1938-1941 and he was the youngest store manager in the company at that time. He was also employed with E.I. DuPont at the Joliet Arsenal from 1941-1942 as an acid recovery operator. He became a partner with Kindelspire's Auto Supply in downtown Morris in 1947 until his retirement in 1989.

He married Marjorie E. Morrall on Nov. 20, 1951.

Frank served his community as chairman of the Morris Fire & Police Commission for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Grundy County Agricultural District Fair Board for more the more than 50 years. He served as its president for more than 30 years and served as the race promoter for the Grundy County Speedway.

He was a former stock car driver at the Mazon Speed Bowl and was the track champion his last two years of driving. He was inducted into the Mazon Speed Bowl — Grundy County Speedway Hall of Fame in its inaugural year.

Frank was proud of his 65 consecutive years of membership in the Morris American Legion Post 294. He was a member of Happy Hill Aerie 1024 F.O.E in Morris. He was an avid Chicago White Sox fan and he enjoyed spending time with his family, his grandchildren and spending time at their cottage on Lake Delavan in Wisconsin.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie E. Welch, of Morris; his two daughters, Becky A. Morfey and Peggy (Richard) Kraus of Morris; two sons, Dick (Mitzi) Welch and Jim Welch; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Faye (Lehnert) Foehner of Claredon Hills, Ill; and several nieces and nephews.