Douglas Welter Jr.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Douglas "Michael" Welter Jr., 26, of Chaffee passed away peacefully Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, at Evelyn's House in Creve Coeur, Missouri, following his second battle with cancer.

At Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Siteman Cancer Center and Evelyn's House, he was compassionately cared for by everyone -- his oncologists, nurses, aides, PT/OT staff and his hospice staff. A special thank you to Dr. Hirbe and Dr. Chaudrhi, oncologists, and Amanda Allen, registered nurse.

Michael was born Jan. 6, 1995, at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to Air Force Lt. Douglas M. and Rebecca Semsrott Welter.

He enjoyed doing everything with his dad and younger brother, Matthew: hiking and fishing in Montana, Alaska, Colorado and Missouri; swimming; fixing anything broken; riding along to air shows to watch Dad "jump" from World War II aircraft and even getting to really "jump with him." He loved cooking from an early age and made that his ambition in life. In 2019, he finally found his culinary niche, becoming a cook at Chateau Girardeau. He was passionate about his work.

He loved being with his family anytime, but especially for holidays: the Semsrott annual Fourth of July picnic (he loved the firing of the cannon), the traditional Halter Christmas Eve celebration (Santa even visited everyone), camping and making s'mores, helping Grandma with her yard work and helping Pawpaw on the farm. Mawmaw got him hooked on volunteering when he helped her deliver Meals on Wheels. His biggest concern was that he wouldn't get to meet his new, and only, nephew, Isaac. But not to worry, Michael. Isaac will know all about his Uncle Mike. Leon, Michael's kitty, has found a new family/home with Michael's co-worker, Rachel.

Michael briefly attended Southeast Missouri State University. He served four years with the Missouri National Guard unit in Perryville, Missouri, attaining the rank of specialist.

In December 2020, he was again diagnosed with cancer.

He is survived by his dad, Maj. Douglas M. Welter (retired USAF) and his wife, Tammy of Brandon, Mississippi; mother, Rebecca Semsrott of Rogers, Arkansas; brother, Sgt. Matthew D. Welter, USMC, of Okinawa and his wife, Kanako, and son, Isaac; and paternal grandparents, Franklin (Linda) Welter of Chaffee and Dave (Cheryl) Semsrott of Des Peres, Missouri. Michael is also survived by his loving uncles and aunts, Tim (Linette) Welter Brammeier of Elberfeld, Indiana, Jonathan (Melissa) Welter of Wentzville, Missouri, Ben (Sally) Welter Hancock of Puxico, Missouri, David Semsrott of St. Louis and Danielle Semsrott and fiance, Jason Shook of Bentonville, Arkansas. Special cousins are Tanner and Lauren Brammeier, Lincoln Saffa, Isabella Welter, Avery and Addison Hancock, and Evelyn and Lilly Shook, along with many great-uncles, great-aunts and cousins, all of whom will always cherish their memories of Michael. He has left an emptiness in their hearts that only time can heal.

Michael was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Anton (Agnes) Welter and Albert (Lucille) Halter; and maternal great-grandparents, William (Ruth) Semsrott and Robert (Nadine) Tabers.

Michael chose to be cremated and returned to the place he loved and called home, Pawpaw and Mawmaw's farm.

A private service will be held at the family farm Saturday, followed by a celebration for family and friends from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Chaffee Nutrition Center, 800 S. Main St. in Chaffee, where he was so respected and so loved and where he so proudly volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program.

The family asks that, if you choose, donations be made in Michael's memory to Evelyn's House and given/mailed to Linda Welter, 1405 County Highway 211, Chaffee, MO 63740, to be personally delivered.

Obituary is courtesy of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.