Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Gerald Phillip Welfl passed away peacefully on February 12th, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Center in De Smet, SD. Service was Feb. 16 at the United Methodist Church, DeSmet. Interment at Black Hills National Cemetery at a later date.

Gerald (Jerry) was born October 14th, 1934 to Lawerance and Nina Welfl in Phillip, SD. After graduating high school in Springfield, SD, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army for 3 years. On August 19th, 1956, Jerry married the love of his life Helen Griffith. Within this union came the birth of their four children, Rick, Randy, Ross, and Ralene. Jerry had a huge love for school, history, sports, and 4-H. He taught high school history in Gregory and Huron. While in Gregory Jerry started their wrestling program. Jerry also coached football at the School of Mines in Rapid City, SD. After teaching in Huron in 5 years, the family moved to Watertown, SD. While in Watertown, Jerry became Watertown High Schools Athletic Director for the next 19 years. The Boys and Girls Club was founded by Jerry, where he was having the youth children work with horses. In that meantime Jerry earned his Master of Education Degree through South Dakota State University. In 1977 the family relocated to Worland, WY, in which Jerry was Athletic Director and Vice Principal of Worland High School. Jerry coached and started the Worland cheer drill team. After leaving the education system in 1979 Jerry worked for Tretolite Chemical Company up until his retirement in 2008. The couple had moved to De Smet, SD in 2006. For two years Jerry would travel back to Worland for work from time to time.

Jerry had so many passions in life. With his love for outdoors, hunting, athletics, 4-H, horses one could always find Jerry either helping out with a sporting event or hitching up his mule team for a fun drive.

Jerry is survived by his wife Helen of 67 years, three sons, Rick Welfl of Thermopolis WY, Randy (Mavis) Welfl of Thermopolis WY, Ross Welfl of Burlington WY. one daughter Ralene (John) Coughlin of De Smet, SD. one sister Joyce Pearson of Viborg, SD. 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, special friends Seanna and Marland Linafelter family of Spearfish, SD.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lawerence and Nina Welfl, one brother Ivan Welfl, two sisters, Rozella Olson and Carol Mae Johns, grandson Bailey Welfl and great grandson Jack Welfl.

Honorary Pallbearers: grandchildren and great children.

The family is forever grateful for all your condolences. Helen, Rick, Randy, Ross, and Ralene