Gerald E. Welsh

Gerald Edward Welsh, “Jerry” or “Elvis” to his friends and family, 63 of La Crosse, passed away on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the home of his foster care provider in West Salem, Wis. Joining his mother, father, two sisters and two brothers with our Heavenly Father, he left broken hearts to all who knew him. Jerry loved school, attending Washburn in his early years followed by college where he excelled in bowling and Special Olympics. Having worked at River Front and the I-90 rest area, he was proud to be contributing and loved having a paycheck. His mother started Jerry with the skills needed in life to be a loved member of the community. When his mother was no longer able to care for him, his niece Cindy Grassman her husband Garry and their children provided a loving home for him up until the last five years. His passion for music, playing the guitar and entertaining would melt our hearts when he would serenade his family with performances of Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender” and Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” including all the dancing! He will be remembered for his contagious smile, treasured blue bike and extensive bowling trophies. He was an avid “garage saler”, often scoping out the best deals on Elvis memorabilia and other bargains. A true collector at heart, Jerry displayed his finds proudly along the walls of his bedroom at the home of his niece. Here he spent his free time watching his favorite shows including The Dukes of Hazard, The Incredible Hulk and News Channel 8’s Cory Mallis’ weather program where he spoke to the TV screen like he was talking to a friend. He also enjoyed running around with Cindy wherever it may be. Their time together extended their friendship beyond family, they became best friends. Jerry loved to travel, and he did so often with Cindy. Together they made near annual trips to either New Hampshire or Colorado to visit extended family. Jerry greatly enjoyed this time with family and all the adventures in entailed including an accidental trip to Canada. Upon re-entering the U.S., when border patrol asked for ID he obliged, promptly pulling out his authentic Elvis Presley ID card. Jerry was a man of many wonderful surprises guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Jerry is survived by one brother Earl (Karen) Welsh of Clearwater, Fla. and many other loving family members, friends and care providers. He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant sister Darlene, another sister Delores; and two brothers Francis and Ahern.

It is with gratitude that we thank those who took part in Jerry’s life, especially those who took care of him including the Jed and Theresa Wachter family.   Know that the spirit of his life remains in each and every soul he touched with a smile imprinted on our hearts; he will forever be remembered. In Jerry’s own words, “Once a Welsh, always a Welsh”. Jerry, you will always be the “King” in our hearts.

A gathering for friends and family will be held from 10:30 until 12:30 pm on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse chapel; 200 West Ave. So. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery, La Crosse.