Dr. Gerald Dean Kortmeyer was born to Erwin and Alice Kortmeyer and was raised in Burke, South Dakota. He was the third of six siblings.

Jerry married Janet Clausen and had four children: Dennis (Jennifer), Dr. David (Edith), Diane (Doug)Brawley of Cathedral City, California and Debbie Kortmeyer of Springfield, Missouri. The family moved to California in 1962 where Jerry owned a gas station, a lamp factory and was a welder until he graduated from Logan College (Missouri) with a degree in Chiropractic. He maintained a successful practice in Cathedral City.

Gerald passed while on his yearly vacation, with his girlfriend Rhonda Efroymson, to visit his mother and older brother, Eugene in Dallas, SD.

Jerrys love of service was paramount in his life. Helping others live healthier, happier lives gave him great joy. Those who were fortunate enough to have met him were immediately drawn to this special person. His generosity and love for life were an inspiration. He was happy being the captain of his boat and fishing on weekends. He golfed, liked table games and greatly enjoyed returning to Dallas to harvest the produce his mom and Gene planted.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, daughter-in-law Netter, brother Erwin, and grandson Josh.

Jerry is also survived by brothers Gene and Craig (Janelle), sisters Jolene (Don) Fleming, and Marion Kelly, ex-wife Janet, grandchildren Adam Dean, Lynn, Jena, Adam Christopher, Jesse, Jeremy, Vincent, Kristin, Kelly, Douglas, James and Jessica and great-grandchildren Ava, Atticus, Hanna, Megan, Cayden and Addison.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 11:00 AM at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Gregory. Inurnment will be at the Graceland Cemetery in Burke.