Gerald L. Welch, 83, of Mount Vernon, died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, at Prairie View Healthcare Community in Woonsocket.
Funeral services were Friday, Sept. 23, at the Will Funeral Chapel with burial at the Mount Vernon Cemetery. Visitation was from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, also at the Chapel.
Gerald Lloyd Welch, son of Russell and Gladys (Brown) Welch, was born in Mitchell on Nov. 3, 1932. He grew up in rural Mount Vernon and attended country school through the seventh grade, later graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1950.
He was united in marriage to Betty Lenocker on Jan. 28, 1950. They farmed south of Mount Vernon until his health forced him to retire.
Gerald served on the Union Township Board for 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, racing go-karts, playing pool and riding snowmobiles. He and Betty attended the Sturgis Bike Rally for 25 years. He enjoyed attending the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gerald was a member of the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty of Mount Vernon; three daughters, Barb (David) Timmerman of Sioux Falls, Marlene (Wayne) Hofer of Rapid City, and Ronda (Bill) Sargent of Mount Vernon; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Marialyce Lenocker of Mitchell; and nieces and nephews.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents.