Gerald "Jerry" Paul Duprel was born on November 2, 1939, in Sturgis, SD, to Walter Duprel and Elsie (Brech) Duprel. His father would remarry a few years later to Lola (Schuelke) Duprel, the woman Jerry would call "mom" for the rest of his life. Jerry would attend and graduate school in Vale, SD, and in his youth would climb Bear Butte "from all sides" with his friends.
He married Donna (Steffes) Duprel on March 19, 1960, and they would go on to be married for the next 61 years of his life. The two would have one child, Darcy, who would become Jerry's right-hand man. Donna was Jerry's constant companion accompanying him on all his adventures including a trip to The Bahamas and a cruise off the shore of Alaska.

Jerry lived and worked on the family ranch for his entire life. He spent many years running a successful Charolais Bull Program, before changing over to a commercial Black Angus herd - who's progeny still makes up the cowherd at Duprel Ranch today. No stranger to hard work, Jerry would work from sunrise to sunset every day without complaint only taking a break when he was convinced to do so by his family. It never mattered to Jerry how hot, cold, windy, or rainy it was, or whether or not it was Christmas or someone's Birthday, if there was work to be done, he felt it couldn't wait. For many years he would do all this work with his trademark cigar hanging from the corner of his mouth. He was known for being firm, and doing things his way in every aspect of his life. He maintained that independence and pride until his very last day, never showing any personal weakness.

Jerry was actually a very gentle soul, especially in his later years. He didn't like to kill things, and would eventually give up hunting. Most days when he was fishing, he would simply be happy to be in his boat at Orman or Pierre throwing back every fish he caught. Jerry would sit in the dark in his pickup on the boat dock, waiting until there was just enough light to be the first one in the water on fishing days. He would fish in all weather, one time having to shore his boat on the beach to escape a powerful passing storm while fishing with his wife and grandson.

Jerry had a fondness for animals that was often a surprising contrast to his otherwise gruff behavior, and was always gentle with the young calves or family pets. He was particularly fond of a cat he had for over ten years "Bootsy" who sat on his lap every evening. Bootsy would often sit in a chair next to him at the table and eat "people food" off of her own plate. He buried Bootsy in his back yard, giving her a grave marker and artificial flowers.

Jerry died October 29, 2021, at the age of 82, in Sturgis with his family with him throughout his final moments.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Duprel; son, Darcy Duprel (Rosalyn); grandson, Collin Duprel (Kelsey); new great-grandson, Wylder Duprel; sister, Bobbie Trohkimoinen (Donnie); step-grandchildren, Jay Kyle (Brandy) and family, Rikki Plaggemeyer (Mike) and family, Lacey Pierce (Shane) and family; brothers-in-laws, Duane Steffes, Darrel Steffes (Jan), sister-in-law, Karen Steffes; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lola; and his brother-in-law, Paul Speed.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery with Father Timothy Castor officiating. Celebration of Life services will follow at the VFW at 868 Main Street in Sturgis.

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