G erald Lloyd Welch , son of Russell and Gladys (Brown) Welch, was born in Mitchell, SD on November 3, 1932. He grew up in rural Mt. Vernon, SD and attended country school through the seventh grade, later graduating from Mt. Vernon High School in 1950.

He was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart Betty Lenocker on January 28, 1950. Gerald and Betty farmed south of Mt. 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. Gerald and Betty rode a motorcycle and attended the Sturgis Bike Rally for 25 years. He served as the pit man for his son-in-law during circle track racing. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and attending all their activities.

He was a member of the Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 66 years, Betty Welch, Mt. Vernon, SD; three daughters, Barb (David) Timmerman, Sioux Falls, SD, Marlene (Wayne) Hofer, Rapid City, SD, Ronda (Bill) Sargent, Mt. Vernon, SD; four grandchildren, Shannon (Kristi) Hofer, Stephanie (Bob) Bannwarth, Tyler (Jessica) Timmerman and Tara (Chase) Timmerman; four great grandchildren, Kayla and Jenna Hofer, Carter Bannwarth, and Alivyah Schraeder; step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, Angelia Langley and son Christopher, Melissa Sargent and son Jacob, Keith Sargent; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Marialyce Lenocker, Mitchell, SD ; nephew,  Bryan (Barb) Lenocker and their children, Payne and Aimee; niece, Robin (Richard) John and their children Emma and Myles.

He was preceded in death by his parents.