Jayte Ryan Welch, age 38, of Tomah, WI, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at his home in New Lisbon, WI.
From a young age, Jayte exhibited a strong connection to the land, a trait that was nurtured through his years of service in agriculture. At the Pergande farm, he was known for his innovative farming techniques and his willingness to lend a hand wherever needed. His work at Cram’s Llama farm was characterized by the same level of dedication, and his love for the animals was evident to all who had the pleasure of working alongside him.
Jayte’s enthusiasm for life extended beyond his professional endeavors. Throughout his youth and high school years, he was an avid hockey player, a sport that taught him the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. These lessons stayed with him throughout his life and were reflected in the way he approached both his work and his personal relationships. Jayte had a fascination with meteorology. He spent countless hours following and tracking weather patterns and storms, a hobby that showcased his respect for the powerful forces of nature. His friends and family often turned to him for weather predictions, and he took great pride in his ability to read the skies.
Jayte is survived by his mother, Jill Welch; siblings, Christi Welch, Reid Welch, and Sarah Schleicher Knutson; nieces and nephews, Christian, Raul, Dawson, Reagan and Raina Welch; and great-niece, Raelynn Welch; along with his partner, Carlos Fernandez; and special aunts and uncles, Mike (Diane) Welch and their daughter, Whitney (John) Alibrandi; uncle, Brian (Bonnie) Sesolak and their son, Eli; aunt, Diane Sesolak and her children, Carly Kowitz, Julie Treadwell, and Lexi Gorge; aunt, Wanda Sheldon and her family, Michael (Sheri) Sheldon, and Abbey (Matt) Honaker; cousins, AdamCade (Victoria) Gilson, Makensie (Tyler) Watson and Brayvyn (Aaron) Hammer and extended families.
He was preceded in death by his father, Steven Welch; grandparents, Robert and Arliss Sesolak and Thomas and Wilna Welch; uncles, Brent Sesolak and Jeff Sesolak, Rod Sheldon, and Dennis Welch; aunt, Tammy Brockman; cousins, Cody Sesolak, Misha (Welch) Bolstad, and Stephanie (Welch) Clark.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish in Tomah. Father Ethan Hokamp will officiate. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tomah, WI. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Additional visitation for Jayte will be held on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
