Dr. Jerry Walton, devout husband, loving father, long-time physician, and community leader, passed on to God's Heavenly Kingdom on November 8, 2024, at his Sioux Falls home, surrounded by his five daughters. He was 90.

Jerry LeRoi Walton was born May 22nd, 1934, in Spearfish, SD, to John and Effie Mae (Ritzman) Walton. The son of an Army Colonel, he lived in various parts of the country throughout his childhood, eventually making his way back to his home state of South Dakota. He graduated from Mitchell High School and received his undergraduate degree at Dakota Wesleyan University. Jerry excelled at many sports, but none more than football, earning him National collegiate titles and an opportunity to play for the LA Rams. It was through these experiences that Jerry learned a sense of duty, responsibility, community, and diligence and began to hone what would become immense gifts of leadership through example, vision with purpose, and an innate ability to draw people across all barriers together for the greater good.

On June 17th, 1956, Jerry was united in marriage to Patricia Leach in Mitchell, SD. That same year, Jerry also received his Local Preacher's License through the United Methodist Church. He was accepted into the Iliff School of Theology but felt called to ministry through Family Practice medicine. Jerry's education was interrupted when he was drafted by the United States Army in late 1957. He served as a Private 1st Class for two years before being transferred out to the USA Corps Reserve. Jerry attended State University of South Dakota School of Medicine for two years before transferring and graduating from University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1964. After completing his internship and residency programs, Jerry began his practice, devoting 5 years to rural medicine in Martin, SD, before moving his family and medical practice permanently to Sioux Falls, SD.

The list of Jerry's accomplishments and accolades is extensive, but he always found greater meaning in doing a job or deed well and letting it speak for itself. So, we will mention just a few that had such a far-reaching impact that others may recognize him from. Jerry was a dedicated, caring Family Physician for over 35 years. He was innovative and visionary in medicine, creating an award-winning radio call-in show long before others started using media in this way.  Jerry was the Founding Director of the first Muscular Dystrophy Clinic in South Dakota. He was also the Founding Director of the Growing Healthy Initiative bringing healthy alternative education to the public and underserved populations. He served on numerous medical committees and state and city committees as well. Jerry was especially proud of the work of the Sioux Falls Tomorrow group and served as the chairperson for three consecutive terms.

As much as he accomplished, he would tell you none of that would have been possible without the love of his life, his devoted wife, Pat. They were a pair and lifted each other to greater things than either could do alone. For Jerry, it was always faith and family first, followed by a love for life with music playing and jokes flying. He loved spending time with friends and family outdoors fishing, hunting, golfing, birdwatching, and exploring. While indoors, Jerry busied himself with woodworking, drawing, fixing things, recording music, and doing puzzles. Jerry was heavily involved in his church, First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, SD, serving on committees, singing in the choir, performing in musicals, plays, and talent shows, and overseeing the Parish Nurse program.

Jerry, Pat, and their five daughters, plus the extended family, enjoyed a lifetime of family adventures (Aloha), singing, laughter, family meals, holiday celebrations, and all the love that could be poured into one another. Jerry and Pat will be missed immensely, but their family rejoices knowing they are reunited in their eternal home.

Deeply grateful for having shared in his life are his five daughters Sherri (Julie) Dill-Walton of Sioux Falls, SD, Sharla (Tim) Keyser of Sioux Falls, SD, Shelley (Mark) Smedsrud of Hartford, SD, Shauna (Troy) Lage, of Tea, SD, Stephanie (Chad) Hanson of Lake Poinsett, SD; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister Jonella (Dale) Olson, Phoenix, AZ, a brother-in-law Gary (Maryann Klimas) Leach of Plainfield, VT; and a host of nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Pat, his parents John and Effie Mae Walton, sister Janet Nelson, brother Jim Walton, and brother-in-law Dick Leach.

Memorials may be directed to the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Jerry and Pat Walton Fund, or your favorite non-profit or philanthropic organization in his honor.

Due to construction at Jerry's longtime family church, a Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, November 15th, 2024, at Miller Southside Funeral Home, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD. Sharing and Celebration time with family and friends will take place following the service from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The family welcomes you to either or both events.

To watch Jerry's service please click on the link: https://youtube.com/live/nGPektY3HnI?feature=share