Thomas Welch, 11, Topeka, Kansas
TOPEKA, Kansas—Thomas Hugh Welch passed away on December 17, 2025, surrounded by his family at Stormont Vail Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Topeka, KS. He was born on December 28, 2013, to parents Joshua and Suki (Oksu) Welch in Lowville, New York. He was a child of God and believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Thomas chose to be baptized at Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas, on April 27, 2025.
Thomas had a spark that lit up every room he entered. He possessed a deeply loving heart that he shared freely with everyone he met, never knowing a stranger. Full of energy and curiosity, Thomas was always eager to explore the world and connect with others. His smile and laughter were contagious, and he delighted in telling jokes and sharing fun facts with anyone willing to listen. He especially loved posing philosophical, hypothetical riddles designed to stump even the sharpest minds. Time spent with family and friends meant everything to Thomas. He remained proudly loyal to his upstate New York roots as a devoted member of the Buffalo Bills Mafia. He cherished all animals, with cats holding a special place in his heart. Family was deeply important to him, and he treasured every moment together, particularly playing video and board games. Thomas found joy in many activities, including cooking, camping, hiking, and all water sports such as knee boarding, tubing, and swimming. He loved exploring the country on family vacations, fishing with Papa, and baking Christmas cookies at Nana’s. His faith was also an important part of his life, and he took great pleasure in attending church and participating in church youth activities.
Thomas was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Theodore Hugh Welch, Jr. He is survived by his parents, Joshua and Suki Welch; stepmother, Laura Welch; siblings, Ariana and Carlos Ramos, London (Lilith) and Zachary Welch; grandparents, Debra and Christopher Strawhacker, Emilia and Cyrah Davis Sanchez, and Clifford and Patricia Hanser; godparents, Cody and Catherine Darrah and Matthew Welch; great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends.
There will be a graveside service on Sunday, December 28, 2025, (Thomas’s 12th birthday), at 1:30 p.m., in Sparks Cemetery, 1259 265th Lane, Boone, IA 50036, with Pastor Tom Whiteman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Thomas’s name to Hope for HIE, by donating here: https://hopeforhie.org/donate/
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Thomas’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com
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