Fred Edwin Welch, 82, of Monroe, passed away at 9:25 PM, Monday, September 17, 2007 in Medilodge of Monroe where he had been for 8 weeks. He had been in poor health for 2 years and seriously ill since entering the nursing home. He was born February 22, 1925 in Goin, TN to Carl F. and Mossie (Wilson) Welch. They came to Monroe shortly after his birth from Goin, TN. He was employed by Union Camp Paper Company as a glue machine operator starting in 1943, retiring in 1988. Fred served his country in the US Army during WWII earning the rank of Corporal. He was inducted into service on April 28, 1943 in Detroit, MI, and fought in several battles including Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland, and in central Europe, earning the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on January 25, 1946 in Atterburg, IN. Fred was a life member of the VFW Post#1138, Monroe, and was proud to have served in the funeral Honor Guard. He leaves to mourn his children, James Lee Welch of Canton, MI, Jerry Lynn (Pam) Welch of Cape Coral, FL, Fred J. (Kathy) Welch of Monroe, Kathie (Michael) Boyanton of Winter Park, FL, and Jacqueline (William) Deaton of Newport, sisters, Joyce (Albert) Pebley, Collet (Clyde) Evans, Jewell (Tom) Connor, all of Monroe, 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Sadly, a brother, Carl Frank Welch Jr. and an infant nephew, Timothy Connor, preceded him in death. Friends may call on Wednesday at the Bacarella Funeral Home from 5-9 PM, where funeral services honoring his life will be held at 11 AM Thursday, the Rev. Roy Southerland will officiate. Graveside services will be conducted at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle, under the auspices of the VFW Post #1138, Monroe. Memorial gifts in his name may be given to the Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe.