Edward P Welker

Edward Welker, 90, residing in West Springfield, passed away peacefully on April 18th surrounded by his loving family.

Ed was born on June 17, 1932 to Anton and Caroline (Metzler) Welker of West Springfield, MA. He was a lifelong resident of West Springfield, graduating from West Springfield High School in 1950. In 1952, Ed married his high school sweetheart Joyce (Morse) and they were blessed with 64 years of a loving marriage. After serving in the Navy, he went on to earn his degree at Western New England College while also working at Third National Bank, where he retired after 25 years in the position of vice president. After retiring from the bank, he went on to work as a treasurer and comptroller at the American Institute of Economic Research until the age of 70.

He was devoted to God and his faith as a founding member of Grace Lutheran Church in West Springfield. He especially loved spending time with his family, daily workouts at Fitness First where he had many friends, and planting flowers around his home. Ed was a man to look up to, a father figure to many people, and was always there to lend a guiding hand.

Edward is survived by his siblings Margaret Kuhn, Otto Welker and Ernest Welker. Cherishing his memory, he leaves his children Rev. Lee (Linda) of Indianapolis, IN, Kurt (Paula) of Westfield, Rick (Sue) of Plymouth, Jerelyn Welker (Joe Saimeri), and son-in-law Randy Lavallee. Ed also leaves his twelve beloved grandchildren Erica Hertzinger (Ben), Rachel Buit (Tyler), Haley Pritchard (Tyler), Jenna Seeley (Justin), Jason Lavallee (Christine), Brandon Welker (Melissa), Garrett Welker (Hannah), Austin Welker, Blake Welker (Tiffany), Grant Welker (Angela), Reid Welker, Devin Miles (Megan). He also leaves behind seventeen great grandchildren to carry on his legacy: Nora & Burke Hertzinger, Brendan, Zachary & Hallie Buit, Corbin, Brecken & Anders Pritchard, Mark, Adalynn & Bennett Seeley, Lennox & Ledger Lavallee, Ava & Ethan Welker, Leigha Welker, Theodore Welker.

Ed was predeceased by his wife Joyce Welker, daughter Sherriann Lavallee, sister Lillian Woods, and brother Carl Welker.

Calling hours for Edward will be on Thursday, April 27th, from 4-7 PM at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1043 Westfield St., West Springfield. The funeral service will be held Friday, April 28th, at 11 AM at Grace Lutheran Church, 1552 Westfield St., West Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church at the above address, or to the Parish Cupboard 1023 Main St. West Springfield, MA 01089. For more details please visit toomeyobrien.com.