In Memoriam

Gerald Wellik, 75, a long-time member of CSI and founder of LSI Corp. of America died of cancer Sept. 30 at his home in Crystal, MN.

Gerry graduated from the University of Minnesota’s School of Business in 1958, and began his career selling products similar to those of the company he would eventually found.

Gerry’s son Jamie Wellik, of Golden Valley, said his father had many fond memories of CSI, and enjoyed working with the many professional friends he made through the organization. “CSI, in its promotion of the principles of specification, were a major influence in the direction of the company,” said Jamie.

Further, Jamie says, “Gerry felt that specifications were very important to clear communication among all parties in the process; and were particularly critical when technology introduced new products and/or methods.”

Says Jamie, “Gerry was also very concerned about ADA and environmental issues, and felt that specifications were an important tool for addressing those concerns.”

Early in his career, Jamie also worked at the company. “LSI’s products became the industry standard,” he says. “Probably every school district in Minnesota has cabinets manufactured by LSI.”

LSI cabinets have also been used at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, Northwestern University’s Hospital in Chicago and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York.

Jamie felt that one of his father’s most important accomplishments was building a company that valued its employees. He said his father “managed to keep the organization busy in a very cyclical business, and kept employees working through several recessions.”

Wellik grew up in Elkton, MN and served in the Army in 1953-54. In retirement, he enjoyed his Gull Lake home and fishing.

On 14 September 2007, Tom Matthews, former publisher of our chapter newsletter, passed away. It's been several years since Tom was our publisher, so many of our members won't remember him. Others may recall that he not only published the newsletter, but took pictures at chapter meetings and wrote articles about the meetings. Tom was easy going and seemed always to have a good story ready, but he didn't say much about himself or his interesting past.

According to articl es that appeared in the St. Paul Dispatch and the Star Tribune, Tom was a reporter for both newspapers, and more. His first job in the newspaper business was as a copy aide for the Minneapolis Star. He later moved on to a police beat, then became an investigative reporter, and eventually, an editor.

He worked for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for a couple of years, then returned to the Twin Cities, this time working for the St. Paul Dispatch, where he became City Editor.

He ended his full time career in journalism as an investigative reporter for KSTP-TV, after which he continued as a free-lance writer. He also started a business named "The Newsletter Store", where he published newsletters for our chapter, the Minnesota Lath & Plaster Bureau, and other organizations.