Jerrys' Final Message.....

First …. I want to thank my family and friends for being here. I also want to thank the ones that came, just to be sure I'm really gone!

On May 2, 1938, in New Underwood, SD, my parents and my older sister, Dona, celebrated my birth. They introduced me to all as Jerald Dean Wildberger, son of August "Bud" and Julia (Larson) Wildberger from rural Union Center. Eventually, my sister, Deanna and brother, Rick joined the family. We moved to Sturgis, SD, where I attended school and much to my mother's relief, I graduated from high school. I joined the U.S. Navy and realized quickly I really didn't like being bossed around. After an honorable discharge, I returned to Sturgis and married, June Giedd.

From this union four of my greatest blessings were born…Tina Marie, Anita Rene, Karla Kay, and Alan P. Wildberger. My life was well lived. You either liked me or you didn't. I had my opinions and had a way of telling it like it was. I learned what I wanted to learn and fixed what I wanted to fix.

When I thought I was too old to fall in love again, I met Cindy Anderson, my ERP. Just so you know ERP stands for East River Person. Neither of us were looking for each other, but like she said the night I kissed her and dang near sucked the bubble gum right out of her mouth we decided to give us a chance. Andy Lynn Wildberger is my pride and joy and when he met Kayla Deranleau our family was complete. And while I'm bragging I gotta tell you about my grandkids and families. John and his wife, Liz and their kids, Samantha, Carson, and Caden Waring, Jake and his wife, Kate and son, Langston Waring, Patrick and his wife, Mallory and daughter, Savvy Waring, Paul and his wife, Becca Waring, Alan and his wife, Molli and their kids, Grayson, and Magnolia McMillin. You will never know how proud I am to be your grandpa. And I can't forget my nieces and nephews… each one of you hold a special place in my heart.

Well, I best end this, there's people on the other side waiting for me, Alan P, it's been a long time and I'm sure hoping you, Morris Herber, and Lynn Franz, are there to welcome me. Kids take care of your mom and I'll be watching over all of you.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD. Committal services will follow with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established.

Click on the link to view service folder