Gerald "Jerry" Bernard Flanagan, 80, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 9:14 AM under the compassionate care of the staff at the VA Hospice Center after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 at Miller Funeral Home Southside, 7400 South Minnesota with Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, April 23 at 10:30 AM Church of Saint Mary 2000 South 4th Avenue with final resting and military honors at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Jerry was born March 6, 1946, in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the middle child of seven children to Earl and Catherine (Hanten) Flanagan. Jerry graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1964. He was active in all sports, mainly football and was named football All State Honorable Mention in the state of Iowa.  He was Ace of the Week in the Argus Leader newspaper for his winning 97-yard running touchdown against a game with Canton Academy in September, 1963. He also served on the student council, school newspaper and was elected Homecoming King.

In September, 1965, Jerry proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and on January 5, 1966, left for four months of basic training in Camp Pendleton, California.  After boot camp, he was on active duty stationed in California. In the Fall of 1965, Jerry got overseas orders to serve in the Viet Nam war as an instructor on the rifle range in DaNang.  After his return from Viet Nam, he was stationed and completed his enlistment at Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina in December, 1968.

Home on leave before leaving for Viet Nam, Jerry married Carol Gacke December, 10, 1966, in Rock Valley, Iowa.  During their first year of marriage, Jerry was overseas, upon his return to the states they lived on base at Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina with Jerry being Honorably discharged as a Marine Sergeant in December, 1968.

Jerry and Carol then moved to Sioux Falls which has been their home. On January, 14, 1969, their daughter Michelle Marie was born. On February 2, 2000, their grandson Shiloh Anthony was born. Jerry and Carol enjoyed winter vacations in Mexico, Florida and ski trips with family and friends in Colorado.

In 1971, Jerry enrolled to Augustana College graduating with a business degree in 1975.

During his career, Jerry was a banker, stockbroker, and business owner of APEX Medical.  After the sale of Apex, he purchased JD's House of Trophies retiring in 2021.  Jerry then became a Substitute Teacher in the Sioux Falls School System for grades 1-3 a position he really enjoyed and the little kids had an admiration for him affectionately calling him Mr. Jerry, but due to health reasons he left the school system in 2024. He was also active in the community serving on Boards for the Children's Home, HUD, an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Sioux Falls Kiwanis Club.

Jerry was a devoted husband, and proud father and grandfather.  Jerry guided Michelle and was instrumental in helping her open her business, The Chop Shoppe, a male grooming salon and encouraged her to go back to school which she did graduating in 2021 from the University of South Dakota with a BSN degree.  In Jerry's last days, Michelle was by her Dad's side day and night giving him comforting, compassionate, loving care.  At times, lying beside him playing soft music and praying with him.

Jerry attended all of Shiloh's football, basketball and track sporting events cheering him on and was on the 'chain gang' for home games during Shiloh's junior high football games at Patrick Henry Junior High School and for the freshman Warrior football team at Washington High School. Often you would see Jerry and Shiloh in the backyard or other parks with Jerry throwing the football to Shiloh, not always accurate throws but Shiloh managed to catch the ball.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Carol, of 59 years; his cherished daughter, Michelle and beloved and best buddy, grandson, Shiloh. He is also survived by his brothers Earl (Mary) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bob, Fairfax, Virginia and Tom, LeMars, Iowa. Sisters Clara (Bill) Sturm Appleton, Wisconsin and Margaret Johanning, Tulsa, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Mike Meier, Carlisle, Pennsylvania along with his in-laws, cousins, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Catherine Flanagan; sister Darlene (Mike) Meier; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Flanagan and Judy Flanagan;  brother-in-law, Jim Johanning; grandparents, Nick and Susan Hanten; in-laws, Anthony and Rose Gacke and other relatives.

Jerry will be remembered for his love of family, kindness, sense of humor and his contagious laugh.

Semper FI, Jerry