Obituary: Stephen E. “Gus” Welter, Jr.

Stephen E. “Gus” Welter Jr., age 57 of Prairie du Chien, WI passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Mayo Clinic – Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. surrounded by family.

He was born on February 11, 1968, to Stephen and Lynda (Oestreich) Welter. He graduated from Prairie du Chien High School with the class of 1986 before obtaining his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Economics. He began a career with Quality Wood Treating in Pittsburgh, PA following his father’s footsteps. On June 22, 1991, Gus married Kathleen Fritsche at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Prairie du Chien. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Nathan and Julia. As a devoted father, Gus shared his love for the outdoors, especially time spent on the water. He often took advantage of opportunities to teach his children to live each day with meaning and purpose. He lived his life with faith and integrity and cherished his time spent with family. Gus had a special gift of bringing laughter and enjoyment to those around him wherever he went. Following the sale of Quality Wood Treating, Gus continued his employment with Universal Forest Products in Prairie du Chien, leading the extrusion plant expansion. In 2012, he followed his passion and pursued a career in the hardwood lumber industry, purchasing Granite Valley Forest Products in Marathon, WI and later expanded the business with a plant in New London, WI. He was very active in the lumber industry, serving as a board member for various organizations including National Hardwood Lumber Association and Lake States Lumber Association.

Gus is survived by his wife Kathleen of 34 years; his children, Julia and Nathan Welter; his siblings, Becky (Jon) Nommensen and Erich (Meghan) Welter; numerous nieces and nephews and his special furry sidekicks, Jaeger and Piper. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Lynda Welter and his infant sister, Bridget.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Church of the Holy Family Parish, Fr. Brandon Guenther officiating with burial in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call at the Garrity Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friends may also call at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of departure for church.

Source: Garrity Funeral Home