William Walter Welsch, 83, died Friday, August 6, 2010 at Holland Community Hospital after a prolonged illness. Bill was born in Joliet, Illinois on December 12, 1926 to Mabel and Walter Welsch. He was educated in Joliet and graduated from The University of Illinois with degrees in Chemistry and Ceramics. During his years in college he served in the Navy in World War II. After college he worked as a research scientist for Owens Corning Fiberglas for several years before taking over his family's building supply business in Joliet. Bill later received his MBA from the Executive Program of the graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago. Bill was an independent business owner most of his life. In 1973 he and his son, Douglas, decided to start a vineyards and winery. After much searching, he purchased land and established Fenn Valley Vineyards in Fennville, MI which he considered the best and most satisfying accomplishment of his business career. Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Welsch, with whom he attended high school and college. They have four children; a son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Lynn Welsch of Fennville; a daughter, Kedra Hull of Manhattan, IL; a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Stephen Webster of West Olive, MI and a daughter Diana Welsch of Holland. Bill is survived by four grandchildren; Justin and wife Sarah, Gwendolyn and husband Brian, Erin and Andrew. He also has a sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Gerald Walters of Jensen Beach, FL. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Community Church of Douglas with Dr. Daniel Miller officiating. The family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Holland or Community Church of Douglas. An online registry book is available @ www.chappellfuneralhome.com