Leslie (Les) Raymond Welch, Jr., Ada, MN, 74, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, ND.
Les was born on March 29, 1951, in Rugby, North Dakota, to Leslie Sr. and Ella (Rohrer) Welch. Over the years, Les and his wife, Mary Jo (Aas), built a loving home together and raised four children. Their journey took them to several communities, including Rugby and Minot, North Dakota; and Hendrum, Roseau, and finally Ada, Minnesota. They spent 30 memorable years in Roseau before returning to Hendrum and later settling in Ada.
Les was a dedicated grandpa and was always ready with time and attention for his grandkids. He also had a fondness for four-legged companions and could often be spotted out for a drive with his favorite dog. Les will be remembered for his quick wit and easy humor, always ready with a joke or a story that made people laugh. A true jack of all trades, he could fix just about anything and had a lifelong interest in old tractors, toy tractors, fishing, and a good auction sale—especially if it came with a good deal and better conversation. He was unequaled in his ability to tell a tale. He had a strong work ethic and was always willing to lend a hand to friends and neighbors. Wherever he lived, he made loyal friendships and rarely turned down a cup of coffee or the chance to sit and visit. His generosity, curiosity, and gift of gab left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Les is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Jo; children, Shannon (Daniel) Dostal, their children, Isaac (Deanna), Andrew (Abbie), and Julia; Bryon (Sara) Welch, their children, Ethan and Daken; Anne (Damon) Peters; and Michael (Andrea) Welch, and their children, Ella and Evan; sisters-in-law Kristen (Randy) Galbreath, Sara (Ken) Parke, many nieces and nephews and their families.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Sr. and Ella; brothers, Harlan Welch and Raymond Tofte; sister, Joyce Busch; brother-in-law, Wayne Busch; and sisters-in-law, Joyce Welch, Eleanor Tofte, and Laura Hopkins.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate and remember Leslie’s life will take place at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes of Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
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