Patricia Ann Welch

Patricia Ann Welch of Caro, age 57, passed away Monday, March 10, 2025 at Fisher Senior Care and Rehab in Mayville with her loving family by her side. Patty was born April 7, 1967 in Cass City, the daughter of Lillian (Roberts) Gerstenberger and the late Marvin Welch, Jr. Patty had a vibrant personality and a big heart that made her a natural as a bartender at The Wigwam, later known as the Crestwood. There she enjoyed chatting with the regulars, where she met the love of her life, Joey. She later managed the Hilltop Care Home and also worked at Szczygiel Plant Farm, dedicating herself to both caregiving and hard work.

For the past forty years, Patty shared her life with her fiancé, Joseph “Joey” Szczygiel. Together, they built a life full of love and countless memories raising their beloved son, Chad.

In her free time, Patty enjoyed crocheting, playing Candy Crush, shopping, and ice fishing. She had a soft spot for a cold Pepsi, plain M&M’s, and pudding. She loved dogs, especially Buddy. Patty had the gift of gab—never missing an opportunity for a good conversation or a check-in with Chad to make sure he was doing okay. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Left to cherish Patty’s memory are her fiancé, Joey Szcygiel; son, Chad Szcygiel; mother, Lillian Gerstenberger; siblings, Penny Dorman (Billy), Teresa Zechmeister (Harold Schrader), Ronda (David) Holzworth, and David (Cathy) Welch. In addition to her father, Patty was preceded in death by her stepfather, Ernest Gerstenberger; and siblings, Greg, Debra, and Tony.

Patty’s family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with cremation following the visitation. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Chad Szcygiel, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI 48723.