E. Thomas 'Tom' Welch

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Welch, E. Thomas "Tom" passed away on the evening of May 8th, surrounded by family and holding the hand of Rita, his wife of 62 years. Tom was born August 24, 1938, in Minneapolis to Gene Welch, a government lawyer and Mary Ellen (Fleming) Welch, an Irish immigrant. Tom spent much of his childhood in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he excelled in academics and developed a lifelong love of sports. He was a man of great faith from an early age and wanted to become a priest, while attending school at Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota. After losing his father in a tragic car accident, Tom's mother remarried a cattle rancher, Robert (Bubs) Asbridge. Tom spent his formative years in Leith, North Dakota, working hard on the ranch. He graduated as valedictorian from Leith High School, and continued his education at the University of North Dakota, earning a degree in accounting and graduating law school in 1962. While attending law school, Tom managed the Student Union on campus, and began dating an undergraduate student and employee named Rita Czapiewski, who would become the love of his life. Following law school graduation, Tom married Rita and they moved to Minneapolis, where he worked for the US Treasury Department as a Trust Examiner. After a few years of gaining trust expertise, Tom worked at Marquette National Bank for 22 years, eventually becoming Senior Vice President. Over the next 22 years, he served as President of Resource Trust Company and BNC National Bank. Tom then moved on to Palisade Asset Management, where he worked as a partner until this past December. Tom was privileged to share his expertise on many boards as President and Board Member, including the American Bankers Association National Trust Council, Minnesota Corporate Fiduciary Association, National Association of Independent Trust Companies, Casino Magic, Northcott Hospitality, and many others. Tom believed it was important to give back to the community. He served on many charitable and nonprofit organizations as a board member including: Minneapolis Girl Scouts Association, Twin Cities Big Brothers Big Sisters, Basilica of Saint Mary's, Saint Teresa University, and most recently MicroGrants, as Chairman of the Board. Tom enjoyed his friends, neighbors, and colleagues who regarded him as quite the character, and quick to greet you with a smile, a witty remark, a story, and often a joke. He was always interested in everyone's life story - usually asking where they were from, about their journey, and even if they dreamt in a different language. Tom was extremely well read, often reading two books at a time, a fictional novel and a professional or non-fiction book. He had a thirst for knowledge and took college classes and seminars into his 80's, on subjects he wanted to know more about. In his spare time, Tom loved movies, was an avid tennis player, cyclist and Minnesota sports fan. Tom also loved to travel, and traveled extensively throughout the country and world with many friends and family. His favorite overseas destination was Ireland, where he maintained close ties with his aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. Most importantly, Tom loved spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, a cherished father, and a very fun and giving grandfather. He passed down his love of travel to his family and sought out many family vacations. Family favorites include: skiing at Lutsen Resort, time on Gull Lake at Grand View Lodge, New York City, and of course, his cherished Ireland. He is survived by his wife Rita, children Colleen (Paul) Probst, Patrick (Cheryl) Welch, Katie (Steve) Welch-Len and grandchildren; Alexandra, Kelley, Charlene Probst; Connor, Ryan, Dillon Welch; Julia, Megan, Ashlyn Peterson, Shelby and Olivia Len. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Mary Ellen Welch, stepfather Robert (Bubs) Asbridge, brother James Welch, and his first child, a baby girl. A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata. Visitation is 12:00-1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service. The reception will be at Gianni's on Lake Street, and then a procession to McCormick's Pub for a pint or two. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in Tom's name to: MicroGrants 100 N 6th St. Suite 626B, Minneapolis MN 55403, or Interfaith Outreach 1605 Cty Rd. 101 N. Plymouth, MN 55447. The Welch family thanks you for your love and support during these past few difficult months. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 davidleefuneralhome.com

Published on May 19, 2024