Meritt C. "Mike" Welty

– Merrit C. "Mike" Welty passed away in his sleep at his Bonner residence on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015, of natural causes. He was 81 years old.

Mike was born Sept. 11, 1934, in Bonner at the home of his parents Charles W. and Irene C. Welty of Bonner. Mike attended Bonner Elementary School and Missoula County High School. He worked for the Forest Service as a fire lookout prior to enlisting in the Army. Following his honorable discharge, Mike returned to Bonner and went to work for the Anaconda Company Lumber Mill as a grader. During that time he met and later married Kathleen Fleming on Aug. 20, 1960. A few years later the couple moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where Mike worked to complete the Alaska Railroad while Kathleen taught high school. They left Alaska to return to Montana before the earthquake occurred March 27, 1964, in Anchorage.

Mike returned to working for The Anaconda Company Lumber Mill. Mike and Kathleen welcomed their daughter Diane Marie into the world Aug. 13, 1964. He continued working as a lumber grader after Champion International purchased the Bonner Mill in 1976. Mike loved caring for his daughter and especially liked teaching her to fish, hike, bike and ride horses. He truly loved the outdoor spaces of Montana and took every opportunity to enjoy them.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Irene Welty; brother Larry Welty; sister Deloris (Jack) Lear; brother Jerry (Lettie) Welty and nephew Joe Lear. He is survived by his daughter Diane; sister Samerlyn (Gary) Engebretson; brother Lynn (Connie) Welty and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family suggests donations to the charity of their choice in Mike's memory. At his request no services are planned.


Read Meritt Welty's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.