Theodore "T.J." James Welter, 30 of Fairbank, passed away at home very unexepectedly on December 31, 2024.  A Celebration of Life will be from 2 – 6 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Fairbank American Legion.  As per the family's request, everyone is encouraged to wear Steeler's apparel or the colors black and gold.  Honorary pallbearers will be Kaysen Grigg, Kenneth "Kenny" Little, Dan "Dano" Sharp, Brandon Cornwell, Russell Benhart, Jake Garlow, Derek Macke and Layne Fischels.  Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids are in charge of arrangements.

Theodore "T.J." was born August 19, 1994, at 8:19 a.m. at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, the son of Terry and Shelley (Johnson) Welter.  He graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 2013.  He was employed at Advanced Drainage Systems until they shut down the production line.  He was injured on July 26, 2017, in a work-related accident that caused a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).  He was dealt a tough life, but he tried to work at Prinsco but due to seizures he was unemployable.

He is survived by his mom Shelley Johnson-Welter; his brother Tyler Alan Welter; sister Chrystal (Jon) Harkrider; niece Hailie Niederhauser (Kaiden) nephews Aaron Harkrider and Jon Harkrider; as well as his aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Terry Alan Welter in 2002, maternal grandparents Diane and Lorraine "John" Johnson, paternal grandparents Alvin and Marian Welter, and his uncle Dave Ryan.

Theodore "T.J." was a fun-loving guy who was devoted to his family.  He loved his niece and nephews with his whole heart.  He loved everything life had to offer.  His friends were very important to him.  He was a friend to whomever regardless of circumstances.

Memorials may be directed to the family.  A Go Fund Me account has been setup by the family at https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-fund-for-theodores-loving-spirit?qid=6b2a8ea2cd0c2f4935612abf9c3cfd48