Roger L. Welsh

The gates were opened wide and Roger, with his head held high, entered his eternal life in heaven with his Master!



Roger Leroy Welsh of Bucyrus, at the age of 79, left this earth peacefully January 6, 2017 surrounded by his family.



Roger was born February 15, 1937 to Florence C. (Mollencopf) and Roy Welsh.

He is the oldest of their three children including Arden J. (Rosalie) Welsh and Joan K. (Jim) Elliott who survive.



He graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1955 and later met his first wife, Bonnie C. Knisely. They married July 4, 1958 and shared 27 wonderful years together until her death in 1985. Their children are Glenn R. (Cindi) Welsh and Justine A. (Paul) Moodespaugh.



Mutual friends introduced Roger to Donna J. Naufzinger and in 1987 he married Donna who has three children, Jerry (Cathy) Naufzinger, Judith (Lanny) Bowman and Rebecca Naufzinger who preceded him in leaving this earthly life in 2003.



Roger and Donna’s life together produced 17 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and counting!



Roger was a carpenter by trade and started his career with Bruce Foght. He later went to work with Richard Harter at Harter Builders where he was affectionately referred to as “Elmo” and retired in 2000. He loved (and lived for) working with his hands building and fixing things. He was always willing to help anyone. He will be remembered by his somewhat impatient phrases such as, “Quit dolly dickering around” and “Hurry up lightning!”



Roger will also be remembered, especially by his grandchildren, for his impeccable sense of style. His shy humor and sheepish grin often left us wondering, “What was he thinking???”



Roger continued a collection of cider spigots started by his father in law, Glenn Knisely and he and Donna started their own collection of rolling pins.



Roger enjoyed traveling with Donna, auctions with his son (Glenn) where they competed for the best deal, watching their many grandchildren and great grandchildren at sporting events and band concerts. Any time the large blended family got together was the best time.



Roger is a very faithful servant to our Lord and was a very active member of the former Grace United Methodist Church which is now a part of the Bucyrus United Methodist Church.



There will be a celebration of Roger’s life at Bucyrus United Methodist Church, 227 S Walnut Street, Bucyrus on Saturday, January 14, at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Administrative Center, 216 Hopley Avenue. Roger’s family and friends would like to thank Wise Funeral Home for assisting with arrangements.



In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Kindred Hospice or Bucyrus United Methodist Church.