Donald "Don" J. Welsh , 74, rural Minot, died Monday, March 3, 2008 in a Minot Hospital.

Don was born June 29, 1933 on the family farm near Max, North Dakota, the son of Francis and Irene (Newman) Welsh. He was raised in Minot, and attended school at Sunnyside and Minot Model. He was employed with the Great Northern Railroad for several years and was united in marriage to Helen Jacobson on September 20, 1952 at Minot. They have made their home west of Minot for the past fifty-five years.

Don began employment with Lane Sheet Metal in 1959. He continued with the Company and purchased the business from Byron and Ruth Lane in 1985. He operated the business until 1995, when he retired.

Don was a member of the local Sheet-Metal Union. He enjoyed camping, boating, yard work and gardening.

His loving family includes : wife of fifty-five years, Helen, Children: Arland Welsh, Minot, Audie (Dori) Welsh, Pinedale, Wyo., Kerrie Welsh, Asheville, N.C., Roger (Michele) Welsh, Minot, Debbie (Jim) Blais, Denver, CO, Kimberley Welsh, Beaufort, N.C, Dawn (Chris) Romfo, Lake Metigoshe, ND. Fifteen Grandchildren, Ten Great Grandchildren; Brothers: Allen (Barb)Welsh, Milaca, MN, Frank (Julie) Welsh, Helena, MT, Dale Welsh, Belgrade, MT; Sisters: Betty Friesen, Logan, ND, Pat (Larry) Telkamp, Los Angeles, CA.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Michael Sponsel, two infant brothers, and brother: Bob.

Funeral service : Thursday, March 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Minot Municipal Auditorium-Room 201.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation : Wednesday from 2:00-7:00pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.