Gerald J. Voelker, 86, of Colman, SD, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Colman, SD. Family present visitation will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00PM at St. Peter Catholic Church in Colman, SD.
Gerald (Jerry) Jerome Voelker was born on November 25, 1938 to John Fredrick and Mildred Brownell (Hilmoe) Voelker in Moody County, South Dakota. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Colman High School in 1956.
After high school, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army and then Army National Guard. He was a member of the American Legion in Colman for 32 continuous years.
Jerry and Sarah Antoinette Miles (aka “Ann”) planned a Valentine’s Day wedding but a good ole South Dakota blizzard postponed the wedding by one day to February 15, 1969. They celebrated 55 years of marriage in 2024.
After working as a farmer for many years, Jerry then spent several years working beside Larry Miles in Miles Service at the corner of Hwy 34 and Red Rock Road before trying his hand at road construction with Knife River Construction. Jerry and Ann moved to the Voelker farm in 2005 and then spent their retirement gardening and attending grandkid activities.
In his younger days, Jerry was always up for bowling, going to ball games, playing cards, trap shooting, grilling and cooking with friends, golf, and any social activity. Jerry enjoyed his time being the coach on a softball team that Ann played on back in the 1960’s. Watching Gun Smoke and The Rifleman were also a favorite pastime.
Jerry is preceded in death by his wife Ann, his brother Ronald, and his parents, John and Mildred Voelker.
Grateful for sharing his life are his children, Michele (Ron) Voelker of Sioux Falls, SD, Cheryl (Erik) Skinner of Euless, TX, Steve (Emily) Voelker of Colman, SD, Helen (Mark) Bares of Dell Rapids, SD, and Gail (Shane) Mix of Rocky Point, WY; grandchildren: Katrina Eich, Ashton Voelker, Seth (Myranda) Bares, Alex Voelker, Trent (fiancée Samantha Konen) Ayers, Noah Skinner, Rhett Alley, Ryan Voelker, Jon Bares, Dalton Alley, Kyle Bares, Sarah Voelker, Thomas Alley, Joe Bares, Bill Mix, Eric Bares, Quinn Mix and Grayson Voelker; great-grandchildren, Dakota and Bexley Ann Bares; brothers, Marvin (Marlene) Voelker and Duane (Cindy) Voelker, both of Colman, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews.
