Gerald Velpel

He was born on August 17, 1941 to Frank A. & Rosemary E. (Weisbruch) Velpel. He married Joyce E. (Welton) Velpel on August 5, 1972 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are two stepsons Mark (Claudia) Wilson of Pekin, Greg (Caron) Wilson of Washington; one brother Richard (Rose Mary) Velpel of Peoria; three sisters-in-law, Sharon ( Clark) Leconte of Peoria, Shirlee (Richard) Firebaugh of Peoria and Joan Welton of Morton; four grandchildren Angela, Crystal, Jordan and Geneava, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Paul and Gertrude Welton, his brother-in-law Jerry Welton and sister-in-law Susan Schielein.

Jerry graduated from Peoria High in 1959 and attended Bradley University. He worked in gas engineering for Ameren/Cilco for almost 40 years before retiring. He and Joyce enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren and enthusiastically supporting them in all of their activities. They also loved traveling; spending winters in Florida with their many friends for several years. Jerry was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching and attending games of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Bradley Braves basketball teams. For the last nine years, he also worked for the Minnesota Twins baseball spring training camp while in Florida.

Jerry was a devoted and loving husband, father and friend who lived life with enthusiasm, humor and compassion. He will be dearly missed by many; particularly his family and close friends.

We would like to thank the entire medical staff of Kindred Specialty Hospital in Peoria for their loving care and support of Jerry and our entire family during this difficult time. They are truly angels.

Visitation will be on Thursday , July 26, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home at 2408 W. Willow Knolls Rd. in Peoria with services for follow.

Cremation rites will be accorded with a private burial at a future date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either the Children’s Hospital of Illinois or St. Jude’s Midwest Affiliate.

Please visit Jerry’s story at www.woolsey-wilton.com.