Jeryl (Jerry) Huffman unexpectedly left this earth at his home in Sturgis, South Dakota on June 15, 2026.

Jerry was born February 23, 1941, at Jefferson, Iowa. He grew up in his family home at Paton, Iowa, attending Paton Public Schools until graduation. He then attended Buena Vista University at Storm Lake, Iowa. He then received a draft notice from the Army. Deciding he wasn’t sure he wanted to be Army so he signed up with the Air Force. That led to a career lasting twenty-five years. During that time, he married and became father to two daughters, Paula and Erin. Jerry’s career took him to many places throughout the country as well as the world. He was a Vietnam veteran. Many of his missions were flown on the B-52 that sits at the SD Air and Space Museum, located at the entrance to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. His final assignment took him from Anderson Air Force Base located on the island of Guam, to southwest North Dakota. This assignment was to establish ECRG Detachment 19 southeast of New England, North Dakota. He held that assignment until his retirement on October 31, 1990.

During his time at his last assignment, he met and married Rita Heinle. Following retirement, the couple relocated to Louisiana, where he completed his Masters Degree in counseling through Louisiana Tech. There were several moves over the years, as he decided he would like to be an AFJROTC in the high school systems. That led to two locations in California and one in Arkansas. Still not ready to fully retire, he obtained his realtor’s license, working in Louisiana and lastly, in North Dakota. Again, not ready to retire, while living in Bismarck, ND, he signed on with Lutheran Social Services as a Restorative Justice facilitator. Working with juveniles was something he enjoyed very much. That was combined with becoming part of the VFW Post 1326 Honor Guard. It was important to him to give every veteran that final act of respect and thanking them for their service.

The decision was made to make their last home in Sturgis, SD. He felt that Fort Meade VA Hospital gave him the best care of any he had utilized. Living in Sturgis was a wise decision. Heather and Gordon lived in Sturgis and it was wonderful being so close. They always asked if we had a to-do list for them. Whatever needed fixing or assembled, they were our team. The home purchased was in a neighborhood of mostly retired people and the best neighbors anyone could ask for. Jerry was dealing with vascular Dementia, as well as finding out, in April, that he had AFIB. The neighbors embraced Jerry and Rita. HOA potlucks in the warm months were something he enjoyed so much.

He will be mourned deeply by his wife, Rita; his stepdaughter, Heather Kadrmas (Gordon); his daughters, Paula DesBiens (Rhome) and Erin Giorgi; grandchildren, Megan Giorgi, Kate Giorgi, Elle Giorgi, Kane Miller (Adriane Doe), and Raith Miller; sister-in-law, Sonja Schoch (Tim); and brother-in-law, Vernon Larson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Raymond Huffman; his mother and father-in-law, Magnhild and Elmer Monke; and sister-in-law, Ramona Larson.