Edmund J. Welu, 84, of Dubuque passed away peacefully on February 21, 2024, with his family by his side.  Visitation will be from 2 to 6 pm Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home, 2659 Kennedy Road, with a parish wake service at 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday February 26, 2024, at 10:30 am at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Church.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Ed was born September 9, 1939, in Dubuque, son of Edmund and Louise (Schueller) Welu.  He graduated from Loras Academy in 1957. On February 27, 1960, Ed married Elaine Fah at Sacred Heart Church.

Early in his career, Ed was manager of the livestock office at the Dubuque Packing Co. He left there to begin his long career with Holy Ghost Credit Union serving as President and CEO.  Throughout his 55 years at Holy Ghost Credit Union, he was also a member of their Board of Directors.

Ed was an active member of Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Church where he served as a lector/usher as well as an altar server where he had the honor of serving Mass with his granddaughter. On Tuesday nights, he also called Bingo at Holy Ghost.

He was an accomplished self-taught harmonica player and yodeler.  He was the raining Milwaukee German Fest Yodeling champion for six years and also won multiple championships at the Iowa State Fair. He proudly shared his talents at weddings, birthdays, and special events.

Ed was a sport’s enthusiast.  He played on the Holy Name baseball league, fastpitch softball for numerous teams and managed several teams including Webers to multiple championships. He also umpired for many years and was secretary-treasurer for the Dubuque Umpires Association.  In 1989, he was elected into the Dubuque Kiwanis Fastpitch Hall of Fame.

Ed was also an accomplished bowler, having bowled an 800 series and two 300 games.  Besides bowling, in his free time, Ed enjoyed playing poker, fishing, feeding the cardinals, and growing cherry tomato plants which he generously shared with everyone.

He found pleasure in the simple joys of life.  Being a “Papa” was one of his greatest accomplishments.  His legacy will continue to carry on through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ed is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Elaine Welu of Dubuque; five children, Edmund (Lori) Welu of Dubuque, Michael (Tamie) Welu of Monfort, WI, Jennifer (James Dixon) Smith of Dubuque, Kenneth (Shelley) Welu of Dubuque and Jessica (Daniel) Albaugh of Linden, WI.; ten grandchildren, Chris (Katie) Welu; Brandon (Jill), Brent and Blake Welu; Ryan (Rachael) and Evan (Rachelle) Smith; Dustin and Bailey Welu; and Isaac and Griffin Albaugh; two great grandchildren, Dean and Evelyn; and two siblings, Barbara Barton and Linda (David) Washburn.

Memorials may be made to the Ed Welu Memorial Fund.

The family would like to thank everyone at MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center and Hospice of Dubuque for their care.