Fred J. Welge

Fred Johnson Welge, 82, of Warsaw, IN, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at his Warsaw home. A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. A Memorial service will follow from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Titus Funeral Home-North Webster, 8056 East 500 North, North Webster, IN. 

Fred was born on July 25, 1942, in Winchester, Indiana, to the late Albert C. and Sara (Johnson) Welge. Fred graduated in 1960 from Spartanburg High School (Lynn, Indiana). He received a bachelor’s degree in education from Ball State University, where he was a walk-on to the track and field team for pole vaulting. He was also on their men’s gymnastics team. He later achieved his master’s degree in education. Always an educator, some of the subjects he taught were high school science, physical education, driver’s education and Saturday swim lessons. He retired from the Blackford County School Corporation in 2003, where he taught for over 25 years.

Fred, the man, the myth, the legend, had many talents and interests. His interests were so many that sometimes he would combine them. One fine example is riding his bike with no hands while holding and shooting a bow and arrow! Other interests include cross-country skiing, ice skating, biking, swimming, sailing, reading, and outdoor adventures, including hang-gliding, gardening, beekeeping, birdwatching, berry picking, mushroom hunting, camping, playing chess, and reciting poetry. Fred loved people. He never met a stranger and could always find the good in everyone. 

Fred is survived by wife, Lezli (Payne) Welge; her sons Jordan Grubbs, of Warsaw, IN, and Logan Grubbs of Eldorado, GA; daughter Cynthia E. (Daniel) Barfield, of Newburgh, IN; and son, Martin R. (Rebecca) Welge, of St. Louis, Mo; four grandchildren Andrew Barfield, Elijah Barfield, Simon Welge, and Maxwell Welge; brother William K. (Kathy) Welge, Lafayette, IN; sister Susie Laurent, Butler, IL and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Margaret (Boxell) Welge, his son, Eric Case Welge, and a brother, Don Paul (Marcella) Welge.

Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with Fred’s care. To leave a condolence, visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com