Earl “Chick” Welch, 92, of Champaign, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026. He was born near Monticello, Illinois on June 1, 1933, to Clarence and Wilhemina Welch. He grew up in Sadorus, Illinois and graduated from Unity High School. On April 5, 1958, Earl married Marlene Clark. She preceded him in death.

Earl proudly served his country in the United States Army before beginning a long career with the University of Illinois Fire Department. Known for his strong work ethic, Earl operated his own painting business on his days away from the fire department.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Earl was one of the founding members of the Sadorus Sportsman Club. He loved hunting small game, fishing for crappie, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. Earl turned his passion for hunting into a business of raising pheasants and quail for hunting clubs throughout the area.

More than anything, Earl enjoyed being around people, always willing to help others. He loved telling stories, sharing laughs, and sitting around the card table playing euchre with family and friends.

Earl is survived by his children, Ricky Welch, Cathy (Ken) Langlois, and Stan (Beth) Welch; his grandchildren, Will Welch, Blaire (Reuben) Warshawsky, Clark (Kate) Langlois, Zach (Ana) Welch, Blake Welch, and Delaney (Josh) Robinson; two sisters, Betty Schweighart and Patsy Sherrard and a large circle of extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Eva Hugo and Mary Hoelscher.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will be on June 16 from 1-1:45pm with the funeral service immediately following at St. John Lutheran Church, 509 S. Mattis, Champaign. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.

Memorials can be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Champaign.