Geraldine “Gerry” Ann (Youngquist) Welhoefer of Phelps, Wis., died peacefully in her home on May 4, 2023, at the age of 87.

Gerry was born in Phelps on July 19, 1935, to Robert and Catherine (Johnson) Youngquist. She was a proud member of the Phelps High School class of 1953. 

After graduating from high school, she moved to Madison, Wis., and worked at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

In the summer of 1956, she met Eugene “Gene” Welhoefer. The two were married in 1958 and lived in southern Wisconsin, where their three children were born.

In the spring of 1966, the Welhoefers moved to Phelps where Gerry and Gene worked at Phelps Pallet Corporation, owned by Gerry’s parents.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert Youngquist Jr.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Gene; as well as daughters, Roberta (Clarence) Cain and Teresa (Gerald) Cleary; and son, Eugene (Donna) Welhoefer Jr.

Gerry is further survived by her grandchildren who were dear to her heart, Kimberly Peterson, Gretchen (Tim) Dobbins, Hannah (Jacob) Jarvensivu and Amber Welhoefer. She was also blessed to have three great-grandchildren, Tikka, Essi and Kai Jarvensivu. 

Gerry was a lifelong member of Phelps Congregational Church. Some of her simple pleasures included knitting, reading, music, watching Brett Favre play for the Packers, and the company of the many cats she loved throughout the years.

She was happiest when spending time with her family. She rarely missed any activities her children or grandchildren participated in, whether they were sporting events, band concerts, school plays, horse shows or road races. Gerry was the ultimate hostess of the Windy Tor deer camp, where she enjoyed shaking dice with the hunters. 

A private memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com.

PAID OBITUARY