Harlin D. Welch

Harlin Delain Welch was born in Millboro, SD to Lewis and Vraina (Leetch) Welch on July 15, 1936. He passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024 in Ainsworth, NE. He spent the early years of life growing up north of Ainsworth on Plum Creek, where he lived with his parents and seven siblings. His parents relocated to another state when he was a young teenager. His stubbornness showed through even at that time when he decided he wasn’t going with them and went out on his own with his brother. In 1956, he enlisted in the United States Navy and provided four years of service aboard the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Kearsarge. Harlin sailed throughout much of the world and was very proud of his service. He enjoyed talking about his experience in the military. Following his discharge from the military, he attended college at Colorado State University Pueblo.

On September 30, 1962, he married the love of his life, Joyce Marie Carrier, and to this union four children were born. In 1967, he went to work at the Ainsworth Irrigation District and became the manager in 1969. He enjoyed this position and his colleagues until his retirement in 2005. Harlin was always involved with his children and enjoyed attending their activities. He was an accomplished mechanic and could build almost anything with his hands. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping resurrect the Meadville General Store and turning it into a place that so many enjoyed. Harlin was a fixture of this establishment and met everyone who entered with a smile and a handshake. Harlin and Joyce could often be seen dancing to Johnny Cash on the jukebox at the Meadville establishment. He became known to locals as the “Mayor” of Meadville, a title he was happy to own. He turned a dream into reality when he helped build his own house on the Niobrara River west of the Meadville Store. He and Joyce resided here until moving to assisted living in 2021. Many gatherings and holidays were spent at the river, and he enjoyed these times immensely. He was always active in his community and was willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Harlin was an avid outdoorsman, an excellent shot with a rifle or shotgun and loved to bowhunt. His love for the outdoors was something that he passed on to his son and grandchildren. His love for his grandchildren was always evident, and he enjoyed every minute he was able to spend with them.

Although the last years brought the struggles of dementia, the disease never dimmed his spirit, and he continued to touch the hearts of those around him. He will be remembered for his smile, laugh, sense of humor, stubbornness, kindness, and his love for sharing a conversation over a drink.

Harlin was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Lori; infant grandchildren, Stephanie and Mitchell, and five siblings. Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife, Joyce; three children, DeLonna (Jim) Costello and Denise (Mark) Young all of Pierre, SD, and Harlin M. (Kara) Welch of Ainsworth; his grandchildren include, Jimmy (Lindsey), Breanna (Alex), Mark, Jordan, Brooklyn (Matthew), Zachary, and Madison (Jonathan) and great-grandchildren include Logan, Celia, Thea, Ivey, Nora and Jules, along with two siblings, sister, Jackie Smith, and brother, Garry (Donna) Welch. 

 Memorial Service was held November 1, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth, NE, officiated by Reverend Michael Eurit. CD selections of “Live Forever” by Billy Joe Shaver, “Old Rugged Cross” by Alan Jackson and “Sunday Morning Coming Down” by Johnny Cash were played. Special remarks were given by Jimmy Costello, Breanna Messerole, Jake Wilkins and Harlin M. Welch. Military Honors were conducted by Ainsworth American Legion Post #79 on the church property. Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Memorials have been suggested to the family in Harlin’s name for future designation. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth assisted with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.