MOORCROFT, Wyo. - Gerald Otto "Jerry" Baumberger, 79, Moorcroft, died Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the VA Black Hills Health Care System - Fort Meade, S.D.

Jerry was born Nov. 23, 1932, at McIntosh, S.D., to Charles "Otto" and Viola (Knoke) Baumberger. The family moved to the Hecla-Houghton, S.D., area, where Jerry attended grade school and high school. In the late 1940s, the family came to Rapid City. Jerry worked for several area ranchers before joining the U.S. Army in 1951. After boot camp, he was sent to the front lines of Korea for a year where he was injured. After he recovered, he went back to Korea for a second tour. While in Korea, Jerry quickly earned the rank of sergeant. He was awarded several awards and was the recipient of the Purple Heart. He received an honorable discharge on Aug. 3, 1953.

He returned to Rapid City, S.D., where he met and married the loved of his life, Deanna Southard, on Feb. 5, 1955. Jerry was a drywaller for many years and owned and operated his own business in the Gillette, Wyo., area. His drywall talents were truly an art, and his work can be seen in many homes in Rapid City and Gillette.

Survivors include his wife,his 3 sons,his daughter, seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, 3 sisters,numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and brother- and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, three brothers and two nephews.

We will miss you, and you are forever in our hearts until we meet again.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, with Pastor Ralph Vencill officiating. Burial follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard.