Jerry Lee Dale, 70, of Sturgis, SD, died January 24, 2011, at Fort Meade VA Medical Center after a lengthy illness of COPD and cancer. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Jerry was born August 14, 1940, in Bozeman, MT, to Frederick and Alice (Myers) Dale. He grew up on a ranch and attended school near Cardwell, MT.

Jerry joined the United State Marine Corp in 1958 and was a heavy equipment operator. Following an honorable discharge in 1962, Jerry became a long haul truck driver and was also involved in the logging industry. He lived in several places throughout Montana and Wyoming before settling in the Sturgis area.

Jerry was an avid guitar player and loved performing for other people.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Kerry Cathey of Le Grand, OR; granddaughter, Kesha Durnal; grandson, Kristopher Durnal; two great-granddaughters, Kiana Carroll and Kali Carroll; brother, Charles "Chuck" Eyester of Livingston, MT; and special friends, Allene Karlson and Heather and Adam Buske.

He was preceded in death by both parents and one brother, David "Fritz" Dale.