Bernadine V. "Buzz"

Welch

Bernadine “Buzz” Welch, 95, of St. Paul, Nebraska, died Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. The Rev. Vince Parsons will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Elba.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, at the church, with a parish rosary at 7 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation or for Masses.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Bernadine was born on August 23, 1931, on a farm northeast of Elba, Nebraska, to Alfred and Frances (Radke) Wells. She grew up in rural Howard County, attending a one-room country schoolhouse near Elba before graduating from Elba High School in 1949. She shared a particularly special bond with her twin sister, Madeline “Tiny,” a relationship that would remain an important part of her life.

Following graduation, Buzz and Tiny were ready to venture beyond their small Nebraska hometown and begin making their way in the world. Their father helped them get started in a rather memorable fashion—putting both young women on a cattle truck headed for Omaha! Once there, the sisters found employment at local banks, beginning a new chapter in their lives.

It was in Elba that Buzz met Arthur Welch. The couple fell in love and were married in 1951 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elba. During the early years of their marriage, they lived in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania before eventually settling in Chicago in the summer of 1955.

While living in Chicago, Buzz began what would become an extraordinary career at Marquette Bank. Starting in the bookkeeping department, she steadily worked her way through the ranks, eventually making history as the first female vice president in the bank's history. During her career, she was instrumental in opening two bank branches and took great pride in her work and accomplishments. Her determination, intelligence, and strong work ethic earned her the respect of her colleagues and contributed to a remarkable 40-year career in banking.

Alongside her professional accomplishments, Buzz and Arthur raised their four children: Michele, Steve, Art, and Jeff. She successfully balanced the responsibilities of motherhood and family life with the demands of a flourishing career, demonstrating the same determination and commitment that characterized so much of her life.

Although Buzz had spent much of her adult life in Chicago, Nebraska always held a special place in her heart. During a return visit to the area, she discovered a beautiful historic home in St. Paul—a late Victorian-influenced American Foursquare with Colonial Revival architectural elements. With her appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and the finer things in life, Buzz immediately fell in love with the house. In 2000, she purchased the home and returned to her Nebraska roots, making St. Paul her home for the next 26 years.

Buzz was a woman who knew what she wanted out of life and was never afraid to pursue it. When she set her mind to accomplishing something, she worked diligently to make it happen. She had an adventurous spirit and a lifelong love of travel, particularly enjoying the beauty, culture, and history of Europe.

Over the years, she made an impressive 23 trips to Europe, collecting wonderful memories and treasured keepsakes along the way.

She also enjoyed skiing, discovering unique treasures, and surrounding herself with beautiful things. Buzz had an eye for quality, an appreciation for elegance, and a genuine enjoyment of life's finer pleasures. Whether traveling abroad, decorating her beloved home, or spending time with family and friends, she embraced life with enthusiasm and a distinctive sense of style.

Buzz was a devoted member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul, where her faith and parish community remained important parts of her life.

She also treasured her friendships and was a proud member of the affectionately named “Howard County Intoxicated Secret Monthly Brunch Club.” This spirited group of friends brought laughter, companionship, and plenty of memorable moments into her life. In a particularly joyful celebration, members of the club gathered with her for a surprise 95th birthday party in St. Paul in August 2026—a wonderful occasion honoring a woman who had lived life so fully.

Buzz will be remembered for her independent spirit, remarkable accomplishments, love of adventure, appreciation for beautiful things, and the determination with which she approached life. From her humble beginnings on a farm near Elba to becoming a pioneering female banking executive in Chicago, and finally returning to the Nebraska community she called home, Buzz lived a life filled with ambition, adventure, friendship, and cherished memories.

Above all, she leaves behind the example of a woman who set her goals high, worked hard to achieve them, and never lost her enthusiasm for the many experiences life had to offer.

Buzz is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michele “Mickie” and John Consola of Frankfort, IL; her son and daughter-in-law, Art and Debbie Welch of Greeley; her daughter-in-law, Kathy Welch of Havelock, NC; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many treasured friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Frances Wells; her husband, Arthur Welch, who died Nov. 6, 1998; her sons, Steve Welch and Jeff Welch; her granddaughter, Heather Consola; her twin sister and brother-in-law, Madeline “Tiny” and Anthony Chiodo; sister, Alfreda Wells; and sister and brother-in-law, Darlene and Marshall Christensen.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Buzz’s family at www.petersfuneralhome.net.