Mark Alexander Welch, 31, of Rockford died on January 14, 2018 in his home. Born on June 18, 1986 in Barrington, son of John and Bonnie (Sutherland) Welch. Mark attended St. Rita Catholic School and graduated from Boylan High School class of 2004, attended University of Wyoming on an academic scholarship. Mark was employed at Walmart. He loved animals, especially his Pit Bull, Mackey. From an early age, he marched to the beat of his own drum. He was never one to care what others thought of his decisions, and was incredibly worldly and street smart. He was a meticulous woodworker, paying attention to every little detail and creating beautiful pieces. Mark always had a Mt. Dew at the ready, tucked into his cargo pants, or jacket pocket. Mark loved spending time outdoors; he also had a special relationship with his grandparents. He was a treasured and much loved child of his parents, John and Bonnie and loved greatly by his brother, Matthew (Hayley) Welch; nephews, Lucas and Noah Welch; numerous Aunts, Uncles, Great-Aunts, Great-Uncles; cousins; special cousin, Jase Turvold; cousins and special people in his life, Michelle and Brittany Brummett and Tiffany Malcomson. Preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Bob and Roseann Welch and maternal grandparents, Elmer and Frances Sutherland. Please honor Mark's memory by dressing in his favorite attire, jeans and a t-shirt at his celebration of life service. Visitation on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Rd. Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Josh Peigh will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mark's memory may be made either to Hope Over Addiction, 4615 E. State Street; Suite 15; Rockford, IL 61108 or Shatter Our Silence (S.O.S.), c/o KP Counseling, 6392 Linden Rd. Rockford, IL 61109 Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory at www.graceFH.com .