COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A Coldwater man who paved the way for significant improvements to the Michigan Department of Transportation during a distinguished career that spanned four decades has passed away. Robert A. (Bob) Welke, of Beaver Island and Coldwater died on Saturday, January 16, at the age of 81 after a short illness.
Bob began working for MDOT in 1958, rising to the position of Director in 1996. He retired the next year to focus on his beloved family life and to enjoy his home on Beaver Island. Bob’s career culminated with his 2006 induction into the Michigan Transportation Hall of Honor.
While Director of MDOT, he was responsible for streamlining operations in state government and authorizing an increase in transportation revenues. Bob was nationally recognized for his contributions in the use of recycled materials in highway construction. He also introduced the Adopt-A-Highway program to Michigan, as well as the rumble safety strips to Michigan’s state highways.
While based in Coldwater, Bob was the Project Engineer responsible for the original construction of I-69 in Branch County, including the building of the Coldwater Welcome Center, which is now named in his honor, along with his daughter, Bobbi, who retired after a 31-year career working at MDOT.
A celebration of the life of Bob Welke will be at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater this Friday January 22 with visitation between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service. In May, a Catholic Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church on Beaver Island followed by burial at the Holy Cross cemetery.
