Gilda J. Welsh, age 86, of Oconomowoc and formerly of Fennimore and Prairie du Chien, died on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital. She was born on June 11, 1931 in Marion Township Grant Co., WI the daughter of Lou & Elizabeth (Bender) Freymiller. Gilda was united in marriage to Loren Welsh on Sept. 5, 1956 at the Marion Church.
Gilda had a passion for farming her entire life. She and Loren purchased a farm just west of Fennimore in 1961 and affectionately named the farm “Lovebug Acres”. Gilda meticulously and lovingly took great care of the animals, gardens, and her home. She enjoyed singing, yodeling, dancing and cooking; making sure the hired help were fed and no one ever left the farm hungry. Gilda and Loren sold the farm in 1997 and moved to Prairie du Chien. After Loren’s death, Gilda moved to Shorehaven independent living in Oconomowoc to be closer to family. She loved her new surroundings and friendships and liked spending time in Bible study, choir, and playing bingo. Gilda was the hardest workingwoman who would do anything to help someone in need. Her generosity, thoughtfulness, passion for farming and love of family will forever be cherished.
Gilda is survived by her daughter Gina (David) Vogt of Nashotah, WI, two grandchildren, Tricia (Eric) Helwig of Hartland, WI and Caleb Vogt of Carrboro, NC, great-granddaughter Lorelai Helwig; and sisters, Bernadine Wachter of Woodman, Darlene Mueller of Prairie du Chien and Adelia Brechler of Boscobel.
Gilda was preceded in death by her husband Loren on Nov. 8, 2016; six brothers, Mark, Edward (Ruby), Harold (Estella), Byron (Betty), Lou Leland, and Lloyd; and brothers-in-law, Bernard Moravits, Paul Mueller, Claude Brechler and Herman Wachter.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Fennimore with burial to follow in the Prairie Cemetery. Pastor Kristi Ursin will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. on Monday evening Sept. 18, 2017 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday morning.