Daniel James Welch, affectionately known to all as Dan, passed away on January 7, 2026, in Ellijay, Georgia. Born on February 18, 1944, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Thomas and Mary (Mayorski) Welch. Dan was a man whose humor and kindness left an indelible mark on the world.

Dan's professional life was as solid as the structures he built. As a partner of Schott and Welch Masonry, he retired in 2004 after decades of dedicated craftsmanship. Dan was a proud 50-year member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. An avid outdoorsman, he loved boating, fishing, and hunting, often sharing stories of the one that got away, adventures with beloved dog Cody, or the peacefulness of being one with nature.

Dan's life was a testament to the joy of family. He shared 63 years of life's adventures with his beloved wife, Enid, and together they raised a family that was the center of his world. His children, Monica (Mark) Lee and Amber (Russ) Hester, were his pride and joy, and he instilled in them the values of love, humor, and hard work. Dan's granddaughters, Ashley (Scott) Larsen, Marissa (Bryan) Riddle, Chelsea (Anderson) Brett, and Morgan (Jacob) Raines, and four great grandchildren were the apples of his eye, and he cherished every moment he spent with them.

Dan is survived by sisters Janice (Jim) Winger and Diane Miller and sister-in-law Nancy Welsh. He was preceded in death by his brother Tom Welsh, sisters Jean Romans and Kathleen Schomer.

As we say our earthly goodbyes to Dan, we do so with the comfort of knowing that he has entered the eternal joy of his heavenly home, leaving this world a little bit brighter. A celebration of life will be held in his hometown of Moline at a date to be announced.