Jerry Leon Gifford, 74, Newell, died Sunday, June 27, 2010 at his home in Newell.

Services will be 2 p.m. July 1, 2010 at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Inurnment follows at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.

Jerry was born June 30, 1935, at Nampa, ID to Joe and Margaret (Hixon) Gifford. The family moved to Hayti, SD, in 1937 and then to the Newell area in 1949. Jerry worked on the family farm in Nisland, SD.

On June 30, 1973 he married Beverly Ann Wetz. Shortly after, the family settled in Newell. Jerry owned and operated a water hauling business until he started working for the Belle Fourche Irrigation District in 1977. He worked as a ditch rider until his retirement in 1997.

Jerry loved his cats, gardening, meeting his friends for coffee at the Blue Line Diner, woodworking, polishing rocks for jewelry, hunting and fishing. He was very independent and kept himself busy with all of his hobbies.

Survivors include his son Tommy (Leah Multz) Gifford, Rapid City; daughter, Michelle (Mike) Hanson, Nisland, SD; one brother Donnie (Mickie) Gifford, Lead; daughter in law, Nadine Wetz, England; sister in law, Loretta Gifford, Piedmont; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren; one niece and several nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly Wetz Gifford; parents; brother, Jim Gifford and son Stuart Wetz.