John Wrinkle Welch was born October 29, 1944, in Pineville, Louisiana, to Ernest and Mildred Welch. He was born shortly after his father shipped out to Europe as a soldier in WWII. When his father returned, the family settled in Champaign. He graduated from Central High School and Illinois Commercial College, and served in the Army National Guard. He married Carol Nickelson in 1965. They resided for most of their married life in Mahomet, and had one son, Chad.

John spent 30 years on the road as a wholesale optical salesman visiting most of Illinois. He worked 12 years at the University of Illinois starting at central stores and eventually running the onsite computer store.

John was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Mahomet. He served as moderator and on numerous committees. He loved and cared for his family and the people of his community. He was involved with Rotary International in Mahomet. John was well-known for the large cookouts, gatherings, and dinners that he and Carol hosted. He was always ready to lend a hand, help fix what needed fixing, or just sit and have a cup of coffee and talk. In his later years, John was proud to serve his community as a driver and assistant for Renner-Wikoff Chapel.

John went to be with Jesus on December 15, 2017 after a three-year battle with multiple myeloma. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Nickelson) Welch, his son, Chad, grandsons Cooper and Lincoln, and his "favorite daughter-in-law", Dr. Valerie Welch. We are grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Carle Hospital and Barnes in St. Louis for the care. We especially are so thankful for the love and support of friends, family, and his church family which was so dear to him. We love you, Dad; we miss you; we will see you again.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday December 23 at the First Baptist Church, 402 S. Elm St., Mahomet. The Rev. Dr. Brian Romanowski will officiate. Visitation will be Friday December 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. Burial will at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign with military honors provided by American Legion Post 1015, Mahomet.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you make donations in John's memory to the First Baptist Church, Mahomet, IL.