Lyle P. Weltch

Lyle P. Weltch, 73, of Troy, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at his home.

Lyle was born in Eugene, Ore. to Addrow Weltch and Nina (Wilson) Weltch on May 13, 1934; he was raised and educated in Eugene and graduated from high school there and later engaged in professional boxing for a short period of time.

He entered the United States Army, serving for 20 years on tours of duty at various places including Vietnam in air defense artillery. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts.

Following his military retirement, he returned to Eugene, working as a mechanic for the Porsche-Audie dealership. He and his wife Loretta moved to the Troy area 10 years ago where Lyle enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing, hunting and snow skiing.

An example of Christian servanthood, Lyle's favorite activity was helping other people, offering his ability to "fix anything" to those in need. He was preceded in death by a son, Benjamin in 1996.

Survivors include his wife Loretta; his children, A.C. Illig of Eugene, Ore.; Robert Weltch of San Diego, Calif; Rodney Weltch of Sandy, Ore.; Rochelle Lang of Clarkston, Wash.; and Michael Weltch of Springfield, Iowa; his siblings, George Weltch, Rosalie Richards, Earl Weltch, Betty Fore, Nancy Stuck, Timothy Weltch, David Weltch, and Danial Weltch; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Services were held Wednesday at the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home Chapel in Libby; interment services with military honors will follow at Milnor Lake Cemetery. Visitation was held Wednesday.