Jerald Messerschmidt
Jerald G. “Jerry” Messerschmidt, age 67, of Watertown, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2014, at the V.A. Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services was on Friday, Aug. 1 at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Burial took place on Friday, 1 Aug at Dexter Cemetery, rural Florence. Military graveside honors was conducted by Codington County Post 17 of the American Legion, Frank H. Adams Post 750 of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans of Vietnam War Chapter 1050 and Disabled American Veterans, all of Watertown and the Air Force Funeral Honors Team of Ellsworth AFB. Honorary pallbearers were members of the local military organizations. Active pallbearers were Harold Bury, Jordan Lorenzen, Jon Messerschmidt, Brad Puthoff, Roger Janssen, Randy Ward and Patrick Brownlee.
Jerry was born on Sept. 29, 1946, to Roy G. and Lois D. (Reihe) Messerschmidt. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1964. Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country for 20 years. He retired and received an honorable discharge in 1985. Jerry lived in the state of Washington until returning to Watertown.
On June 23, 1994, Jerry married Verna Sandquist at Watertown. The couple lived on an acreage near Grover and then traveled for a year before settling in Watertown where they have continued to live.
He was a member of First Baptist Church, the American Legion, V.F.W., V.V.A., and the D.A.V., where he once served as commander. Jerry enjoyed spending time on Facebook. He also enjoyed watching baseball and the Seattle Seahawks. He loved the farm animals and his dog, Midnight.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Verna of Watertown; four children, Andrea (Allen) Bell of Auburn, Wash., Cliff Messerschmidt of Olympia, Wash., Robin (Brad) Puthoff and Bill Schreier, all of Watertown; four grandchildren, Patrick Brownlee, Mathew Weinzirl and Kenedy and Parker Schlenker; one brother, Larry (Pam) Messerschmidt of Watertown; and one sister, Kay Ann Webb of Watertown.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and one brother-in-law, Robert Webb.
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