Gavin Michael Welch, 16, of Monroe, WI, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024 at SSM Monroe Health Hospital in Monroe, WI.  He was born August 18, 2007, in Rockford, IL, the son of Jillian Capes and Michael Welch.

Gavin would have been a junior at Juda High School in Juda, WI. There, he played basketball and was a coach for the girls basketball team. He was loved by teachers and students alike. Gavin truly enjoyed his time at Juda. He was an avid video game player and loved to listen to music. His favorites were Frank Sinatra and anything blues. His greatest passion was his love of sports. He was a die hard fan of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears Gavin possessed a wonderful sense of humor. He had a smile that could light up a room.  The greatest character trait Gavin possessed was his selflessness and desire to make sure everyone else was taken care of. He truly loved his family and friends, especially his brother, Gage. Gavin could best be described as strong, brave, resilient, and dedicated.

Gavin is survived by his mother, Jillian Capes, of Monroe, WI; father, Mike Welch of Thorsby, AL; brothers, Gage Welch of Monroe, WI and E.J. Welch of Thorsby, AL, and several grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gavin is preceded in death by his grandmother, Janice Capes; great-grandfathers Mike Vecchione, Leon Capes Sr., Don Carlson, and Lyle Welch; and great-grandmothers, Norma Capes, Elinor Schreiber, Fran Carlson, and Lois Steel.

Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, IL.

The funeral service will be at 11 A.M. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle, IL with Pastor Dan Krahenbuhl officiating. Cremation care will be after the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gavin’s memory may be directed to his mother, Jillian Cape. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.