Jerel Lynn Welker of Lincoln, NE received a huge hug from Jesus in Heaven on April 28, 2024 after a short, hard battle with cancer. He was 65.

He was born on Nov. 2, 1958 in Hutchinson, KS to Joyce and John Welker. Jerel attended Fairfield HS graduating in 1976. He received his Assoc. of Arts Degree from Hutchinson Community College, and his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Iowa State University. While he was at ISU, he was involved in the Student Athletic Training program earning his BOC. In 1983 he received his Master's Degree in Athletic Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln while serving as an Athletic Trainer for the Husker Football team.

Jerel also began his 41-year teaching career with Lincoln Public Schools in 1983 teaching math at Lincoln High School for 21 years before transferring to Lincoln Southwest. He served as the Athletic Trainer at LHS for almost 30 years until retiring in 2010. He also taught several courses at UNL, was a high school math coach, and finished his career as the Secondary Mathematics Coordinator for the LPS district. During his time with LPS, Jerel received numerous state, regional, and national awards and grants including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, the KFOR Vince Aldrich Award, 2 NSAA Distinguished Service Awards, and was inducted into the LHS Hall of Fame just to name a few. He retired from LPS on June 1, 2023.

On June 2, 1984, Jerel married Carol Kelley and together they have 2 children, Nathaniel Lynn and Madison Nicole. Each follows in his footsteps and legacy as an Athletic Trainer and teacher respectively. Jerel's love for his family goes well beyond anything that could possibly be expressed and will live forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Camping, fishing, hiking, and spending time with his family were things Jerel loved to do. He was a faithful believer who touched many (exponential) lives through his service to Christ. Volunteering as an usher and life group leader at Lincoln Berean Church, deeply involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and serving as a dean at Maranatha High School Christian Camps for over 20 years are just a few ways Jerel shared His love for Christ.

He is preceded in death by his mother Joyce, grandparents, uncles, and aunts.

His memory will be kept alive by his wife Carol, his children Nate and Madison, his father John, his brother Jeff and wife Denise along with several in-laws, nieces, and nephews. His absence will be felt by many family, friends, and colleagues who respected and admired him.

A Visitation with family will be held on Friday, May 3rd from 5-7:00pm at Lincoln Berean Church with a Celebration of Life at 11:00 on Saturday, May 4th in the Chapel also at Lincoln Berean Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Still Waters Equestrian Academy, The Hope Venture, My Bridge Radio, and Nebraska FCA, at  Butherus-Maser & Love Funeral Home in care of Jerel Welker family, 4040 A St., Lincoln, NE  68510.