Gerald "Jerry" Andrew Welu

June 27, 1940 – February 16, 2024

Jerry Welu, 83 of Clermont, FL passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16, 2024. His wife of 63 years, Mary "Kay" Welu (nee Gollobitz) was by his side, as always. Jerry and Kay were married on July 2, 1960 in Dubuque, IA.

After graduating from Loras Academy in Dubuque in 1958, Jerry joined The Dubuque Packing Company in sales and marketing. There he enjoyed a successful career in the meat business until his retirement in 2002. His sales career took him to Peoria, IL, Dubuque, IA, Milwaukee, WI, Charlotte, NC and Orlando, FL.

As the top salesman for Dubuque Packing Company for many years, Jerry won multiple annual sales contests that earned him many commendations. He was awarded many prizes, including cars and trips around the world. Even with his legendary work ethic, Jerry managed to dedicate his life to his family – especially his four sons. They enjoyed fishing, golfing and many other activities together. He was a constant fixture at his boys' swimming meets and other sporting events, frequently as a coach and official.

Jerry and Kay met while ice skating in Dubuque as teenagers. After dating through high school they were married. Both Jerry and Kay were dedicated to their vows – through good times and bad – and have served as role models to many. Everything Jerry did was fast – whether it was  drag racing, getting married or having four boys in four years.
Upon retirement, Jerry and Kay moved to the Kings Ridge community in Clermont, FL, where they continued their love of golfing, sunshine and many cherished friendships. He was an active participant in the Kings Ridge Men's Golf Association for over 20 years often boasting of two holes in one over his golfing career.

Jerry was preceded in death by his oldest son, Dennis in 2008. Also preceding him were his parents, Andrew and Anna Welu and in-laws, Closs "Golly" and Ellen Gollobitz. He is survived by his wife, Kay, and three sons, Doug of Clermont, Todd (Karen) of Naperville, IL, and Mark (Stacy) of University City, MO. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Justin (Dusti) and Chance (Jenelle) Dickerson, Jerry Welu and Abby Welu. He also has four great-grandchildren: Dylan, Dallas, Cruz and Valynn Dickerson. Jerry is survived by his five younger siblings: Jane (Bill) Duggan of Dubuque, IA, Jim of Worcester, MA, David (Natalia) of Pensacola, FL, Carol (Richard Surrey) of Washington D.C. and George (Judy) of Scottsdale, AZ. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Jane (Gene) Gartner of Dubuque, IA. His large family gave him multiple godchildren, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who he cherished and loved. Jerry will be missed by friends and family alike.

Friends and family are welcome to attend services at 10:00 a.m. on March 8 at Becker Funeral Home in Clermont. A celebration of life and lunch will immediately follow at the Kings Ridge Clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Society https://www.stjude.org/ , one of Jerry's fondest charities, or the Mike Conley Hospice House: 2100 Oakley Seaver Dr, Clermont, FL 34711

We thank all of the family and friends who have reached out with words of comfort, offers of support and beautiful stories to remember him by. A special thank you to the staff at the Mike Conley Hospice House for the wonderful care they provided Jerry.