Jerry Gran, 78, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025. Jerry had courageously navigated an Alzheimer's diagnosis over the past year. Following a recent hospitalization and cancer diagnosis, he entered hospice care at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD, where he died peacefully with family by his side.

Jerry Gene Gran was born on October 12, 1947, in Scotland, SD, to Lawrence Arthur and Olive Marie (Stillman) Gran. He graduated from Scotland High School in 1965 and later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Education from South Dakota State University.

On April 2, 1977, Jerry was united in marriage with Debra Rose Slaba in Geddes, SD. He met the love of his life while teaching middle school in Geddes, and together they cherished more than 48 years of marriage. They love to tell their story….and no, Deb was not a teacher.  They welcomed their daughter, Robyn, in 1978, and their son, Jayme, in 1981.

In 1976, Jerry purchased his parents' grocery store, Gran's Market, in Scotland, which he proudly operated for ten years. He and his family moved to Remsen, IA, in 1989, where he worked for Hy-Vee Foods until 1992. They later settled in Le Mars, IA, where Jerry began a new career as a pizza sales representative. His dedication and work ethic quickly earned him promotions to District and Regional Sales Manager. He worked with the company for 22 years under Jack's, Kraft, and Nestlé DSD, officially retiring from Nestlé in 2014.

Jerry's strong work ethic—and his inability to sit still—were known to all. After retiring, he spent two years working with Little Debbie Snack Cake Co. and held various other part-time roles. For the past 11 years, he enjoyed making and selling bottom bouncers both locally and online. In 2017, Jerry and Deb moved to Sioux Falls to enjoy retirement closer to their grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Jerry loved hunting, camping, and fishing. He treasured countless camping trips with his family and adored his grandchildren and "favorite camping buddies," Mataya and Maddox. Time on the water was especially meaningful to him—boating, teaching the kids to ski, tubing, and fishing with friends. As his children grew, nothing brought him more joy than fishing alongside his son, son-in-law, and grandson.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Deb; daughter Robyn (Chris) Arens and their children, Mataya and Maddox, Sioux Falls, SD; son, Jayme Gran, Altoona, IA; brother, Delmar (Cheri) Gran, Roswell, GA, and their children, Ryan Gran, Kansas City, MO, and Kimberly (Rob) Naftel, Nashville, TN; brother-in-law, Danny (Lori) Slaba, Renner, SD, and their son Tony (Jessica) Slaba, Zuni, VA; father-in-law, Charles Slaba, Geddes, SD; along with many cousins, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Arthur and Olive Marie Gran; his nephew, Jason Slaba; and his mother-in-law, Wilma Slaba.

Jerry's family extends their heartfelt thanks to Active Generations, Ava's House, and Complete Living Solutions for the compassionate care provided to him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Embrace Church (57th Street Campus), 2800 E 57th St, Sioux Falls, SD. Family will greet visitors at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place at Rosehill Cemetery in Scotland, SD, at a later date.