Donald R. WelchFort Myers, FL- Donald R. Welch, 73, formerly of Racine entered into eternal life on Thursday, February 08, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer.Don was born in Kingsford, MI on July 18, 1933 to Leo and Margaret (nee: Difatte) Welch. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. Don was awarded a national defense service medal. He completed 8 jumps as a paratrooper serving with the 82nd Airborne. Don married Beverly A. Rowan on July 7, 1960. He was a member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace workers lodge #437 for over 35 years. Don retired from Robert Bosch in 1994, after 30 years of service. He was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church for 50 years, where he served as an usher at the 9:15 service. Don was also a member of the Moose Lodge #437. He had a passion for golf. Don was also a great fisherman and a good bowler. Most importantly Don was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Beverly A. Welch; two daughters and a son in law, Debbie Welch and Sandra (Mark) Tomlinson; two grandchildren, Nicholas and Anneliese Tomlinson; brother, Floyd Welch all of Racine; brothers in law, Floyd (Maria) Rowan of Schaumburg, IL and Ronald (Cecilia) Rowan of Chicago, IL; Sisters in law; Anna Rowan of Des Plaines, IL, Eileen (Bill) Jones of Catoosa, OK, and Leona (Edju) Jender of Chicago, IL. Don is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Norman Welch, sister, Verna Mueller, sister in law, Eleanor Welch, brother in law Patrick Rowan, and mother in law and father in law, David and Mildred Rowan.Funeral services for Don will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Warren Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Monday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials to Atonement Lutheran Church have been suggested.Don's family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Jonathan Treisman, Pastor Warren and Joannie Williams, Don's nephew, Jay Welch, the Lasch f amily, and all our good friends and neighbors who helped bring Don home to be with his loved ones.