Gerry Eugene Harper, 63, Hilo, HI, died Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at his daughter's residence near Sturgis.

Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the Seventh Adventist Church at 4703 S. Canyon Rd. in Rapid City, SD, with Pastor Clarence McKey officiating.

Inurnment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis at a later date.

Gerry was born December 12, 1949 at Gillette, WY, to Ralph and Leona (Reisling) Harper. He grew up at Osage, WY and graduated from high school at Upton, WY. He received his undergraduate degree from Black Hills State University in Spearfish and his Master Degree from Stout University in Wisconsin.

Gerry served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army.

Gerry was a counselor and worked with drug, alcohol and occupational patients. He practiced in several areas and locations before starting his own practice in Lakewood and Denver, CO.

Gerry married Terri Shoe at Evergreen, CO on September 1, 2001. The couple resided in Colorado until moving to Hilo, HI. They returned to South Dakota to be near family.

Gerry was an excellent tour guide of Hawaii showing family and friends the culture and landscape. He studied the native language. He also worked at his church where he was a an elder.

Survivors include his wife Terri, Lakewood, CO; son Gerry Harper, Jr., Elko, NV; daughters, Charity (Cash) Baptista, Sturgis; Tessie Ruth Elizabeth (Mathew) Lorenzen, North Las Vegas, NV; brothers, Mike (Gayle) Harper, Gillette, WY, Tim (Brenda) Harper, Mandan, ND, Rod (Tanna) Harper, Osage, WY, Nick Harper, Osage, WY; also 8 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son Travis Miller.