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Jerry J. Mayer, who was 93 years old, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His family was by his side during his final moments.

Jerry, whose full name was Jerome John Mayer, was born on February 22, 1931, to Joseph and Elizabeth Mayer (née Kurtenbach) near Dimock, South Dakota. He attended St. Peter and Paul grade school and later graduated from Parkston High School in 1949.

After finishing high school, Jerry joined the US Army Air Force and obtained a general teaching certificate from Southern State Teachers College. He was honorably discharged in 1951. Jerry went on to pursue further education, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Augustana College and a Master's Degree in Education Psychology from the University of Nebraska. He also completed additional studies at the North University of Iowa, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Colorado.

On June 7, 1954, Jerry married Berniece Zangle in Parkston, South Dakota. Together, they had four sons. Jerry worked in education for 38 years as a teacher, coach, counselor, and assistant principal. He retired in 1991 as the Director of Pupil Services in the Sioux Falls School District. Jerry's first year in education was spent as a teacher and coach in the Centerville Public Schools. In 1955, he started the McCrossan Boys Ranch and then returned to teaching.

Jerry was a life member of the South Dakota Education Association, the South Dakota Beadle Club, and an I/D/E/A Fellow for five years. He was also a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks Club. From 1972 to 1980, Jerry was elected to represent Minnehaha County in the South Dakota State Senate. During his time in office, he served on the Joint Appropriations, Education, and Judiciary committees. He also chaired committees on Health and Welfare, Vocational Education, and Special Education. Starting in 1968, he was active in the Minnehaha County Democratic Party and the Democratic Forum.

Jerry and Berniece were the first Directors of McCrossan Boys Ranch in 1955. In 1969, Jerry served on the Board of Directors of the United Way and the Family Service Organization. He was also the president of the South Dakota Easter Seal Society, the Sioux Falls Area Retired Teachers Association, and the Government Affairs Committee for AARP.

Jerry received various awards throughout his career, including the Marvin Kemp Award from SD Personnel and Guidance, an organization where he served as president. He was also recognized for his work by the SD Association of Children and Learning Disabilities, the SD Association for Counseling and Development, and the National Association of School Psychology.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of almost 70 years, Berniece Mayer; sons Robert (Wendy) Mayer of Spearfish, SD, Thomas (Debra Filer) Mayer of Plymouth, MN, Steven (Patti) Mayer of Sioux Falls, and David Mayer of Underwood, IA; 8 grandsons, Chris, Justin, Nick, Tony, Eric, Adam, Cole and Jonathan; numerous great-grandchildren; sister Cleo Mayer of Oakland, CA; and brother-in-law Duane Rippe of Cedar Falls, IA.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Mayer; a granddaughter; two brothers, Urban and Norbert Mayer; and four sisters, Wilhelmine Roeder, Millie Adams, Rosaline Mayer, and Agnes Pape.

The family requests memorials be made to a charity of your choice in Jerry Mayer’s honor.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Friday, May 3, 2024 at St. Mary Church, 2109 S. 5th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. A visitation with family present will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, with a liturgical wake service beginning at 6:30 pm, on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Miller Funeral Home – downtown, 507 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.

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