Gerald Elbert Pepper was born at the family farm on September 4, 1933 to Muriel (Doane) and Archibald Pepper. His childhood was spent farming near Bonesteel with brothers Duane, Dennis and Roland (Butch). He loved to work the ground, drive tractors, tend to the animals and milk cows (by hand!). Gerald graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1952. After graduating, he joined the US Navy. During the Korean War he proudly served in Guam as an administrative clerk and near the end of his tour he was stationed in San Francisco.

It was there that he met the love of his life, a SD girl living in CA, Goldean Faye Kenobbie. They were married on September 10, 1955 and the following year their son, Darrell Bruce, was born. Gerald finished his active duty and they moved back to their roots in SD. He was honorably discharged on August 11, 1960. They lived on various farms in Gregory County, eventually settling at the family farm in Pleasant Valley Township. To their union, two more boys were born, Elbert Allen (tragically died in an accident), and Timothy Dean. In 1970 they brought Michelle Lee into the family. He loved league bowling and was a member of the American Legion Post #36.

Their sons married and gave much joy to his life by adding grandchildren Dustin, Jacqueline, Sara and Tyler. He lived on the farm until 1997, when his lovely wife passed away, and later moved into Fairfax and enjoyed "city" life, playing cards and having coffee uptown while still part-time farming. Later he became a resident of Haisch House in Bonesteel which provided new friends to visit with. He loved to visit and could strike up a conversation with anyone who would listen. With the addition of great grandchildren there were even more to share his love, generosity and his whole heart. Each one was his pride and joy and he would just beam at even hearing their name or getting a photo or phone call.

Gerald moved to Avantara Armour nursing home in September 2019, and again made new friends. He enjoyed company, watching Gunsmoke and the Yankees play baseball. He often made candy bar "bets" on the games with the staff or residents. He always had treats for the caring staff that assisted him. After another hospitalization, he went into hospice care, and on October 9, 2020, went to his eternal residence in heaven.

Gerald leaves to mourn his passing his brother, Butch (Marj); his children Darrell (Kathy Cronin), Tim (Patty Mellor), and Michelle; grandchildren Dustin (Sarah DeHaan), Jackie (Chris Derry), Sara (Roger Miles), and Tyler (Kim Kokesh); honorary grandchildren Samantha Green, Jessa, Gina and Kyla McCarthy; Jesse, Cody and Shyanne Williams; and great-grandchildren Madeline, James, Kateline, Jacob and Mariline Derry, Ryker Miles, and Liam and Lane Pepper; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him to his eternal home were his parents, wife Goldean, brothers Duane and Dennis, son Elbert, and two grandchildren.

Funeral services for Gerald Pepper , age 87 , of Bonesteel, SD will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the Calvary Bible Church in Bonesteel.  Public Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM at the Church.  Burial will be at a later date.