News Summary
Gregory Michael Welk, a beloved family man and accomplished engineer, has passed away at the age of 60 after a long struggle with congestive heart failure. Born in Montreal and raised in Alabama, he served in the Army and built a successful career as a drafter and CAD engineer, earning multiple patents. Welk is survived by his wife, four children, and numerous friends and family members who deeply respected him. A funeral service will be held in Ocala, Florida, with livestream options for those who cannot attend in person.
Ocala, Florida – Gregory Michael Welk, aged 60, passed away on July 20, 2025, after a prolonged battle with congestive heart failure. He was surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his passing, reflecting the close relationships he nurtured throughout his life.
Welk, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, was born on September 21, 1964, in Montreal, Canada. He was adopted at 11 months of age by Michael and Betty Welk from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The family later relocated to Southside, Alabama, where he grew up and graduated from high school.
After high school, Welk enlisted in the Army, serving proudly with the 101st Air Assault unit. Upon completing his service, he pursued further education at Southern Technical College, where he earned an Associate of Science degree in Drafting Technology. Over his career, he became well-known as a skilled drafter and CAD engineer, earning six patents and demonstrating his innovative capabilities. He dedicated 20 years of his career to Rheem Water Heaters in Montgomery, Alabama, before retiring.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Welk enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests. He loved traveling, being on or near the water, hiking, working on cars, playing guitar, and spending quality time with his family. These pursuits brought him joy and fulfillment throughout his life.
Welk is survived by his wife, Chelle Welk, who stood by him throughout his challenges. He also leaves behind four children: daughter Mikkie Burney, who is married to Brian Moore, and their daughter Kailani Moore of Jacksonville, Florida; daughter Cassie Burney, who is married to Corey Iles, of Altamonte Springs, Florida; son Luka Burney of Greenfield, Indiana; and son Austin Womack of Remlap, Alabama. His siblings include sister Michele Roberson, married to Jimmy, of Ohatchee, Alabama, and brother Brian Welk of Gadsden, Alabama.
Welk also cherished relationships with numerous special friends, including Trisha and Mike Wells of New Orleans, Louisiana; Ted and Michelle Odom of Oxford, Mississippi; Bob and Patty Ramspeck and their family; Philip and Angie Taylor; Kevin and Georgeann Jones; and Ms. Glenda Culpepper, all of Prattville, Alabama. These connections illustrated the impact he had on the lives of others and the mutual affection shared among family and friends.
A visitation and funeral service for Gregory Welk will be held at Roberts East Chapel, located at 2739 Maricamp Rd., Ocala, Florida 34471, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. For those unable to attend the service in person, arrangements have been made for the event to be livestreamed on Facebook, allowing additional friends and family to participate virtually. Roberts of Ocala Funerals and Cremation will oversee the cremation arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made in Greg’s name to local humane societies or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, honoring his memory through contributions to these impactful organizations.
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- Legacy: Gregory Welk Obituary 1
- Wikipedia: Congestive Heart Failure
- Legacy: Gregory Welk Obituary 2
- Google Search: Gregory Welk
- Legacy: Gregory Welk Obituary 3
- Google Scholar: Heart Disease
- Legacy: Gregory Welk Obituary 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heart Failure
- Legacy: Gregory Welk Obituary 5
- Google News: Gregory Welk
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