Jerry Henry Denekamp, age 71, Rapid City passed away on August 13, 2019. Jerry was born in Watertown, SD to Henry and Melva Denekamp on October 23, 1947. He grew up and went to school in Gary, SD and graduated in 1965. During his high school years he played the tuba for the high school band, sang in the chorus, participated in class plays, and was involved in Declam, where he won several awards for his gift of speaking and debate. Those close to Jerry knew how he shined in the gift of gab. He could talk to anyone, brighten their day and tell the best stories ever.

He enlisted in the Army in 1966 and served for 3 years. He was stationed in Manheim, Germany for 2 years. While on leave, he was introduced to his sweetheart, Judith Field in Minneapolis, MN in 1968. After leaving the military, he went to Missoula, MT to work for Northwest Airlines as a ticket agent. Later he married Judith Field on October 2, 1971 in Atwater, MN. They moved to Watertown, SD where he was a manager for the SD Cement Plant terminal for 8 years. He then became a manager at Jackrabbit Bus Lines for several years. It was with this job that he transferred to Rapid City, SD in 1989 and worked at the Depot until 1992. In 1992, he entered the business of furniture sales. He worked at Conlin\'s Furniture from 1992-2007 and retired from Ashley Furniture in 2009. He was a wonderful salesman as he genuinely cared for each person he helped. After retirement he took at part-time job as a crossing guard. The grandpa in him took care of those kids every day, he loved that job!

From this marriage, Jerry and Judy had three children, twin boys Eric and Aaron in 1974 and Jennifer in 1977. Jerry had many hobbies. One of his most favorites was loading up his family and going camping with many close friends, especially the Pehl and Stangeland families. As a family, they also enjoyed many summer vacations in the camper; including a trip to California and Yellowstone. Later in life, he loved to spend time harassing his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Wednesday night dinners at grandpa\'s house were a special time. He and Judy also enjoyed seven cruises where they took in beautiful scenery, delicious food, and made memories together that they will cherish forever. They saw many beautiful places including; Alaska, Norway, Sweden, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Baltics.

He is survived by his wife Judith of 47 years; his three children and 8 grandchildren, Eric of Box Elder and daughters Samantha, Caitlyn, and Abigail. Aaron (Cathleen) of Black Hawk and sons Andrew and Matthew, Jennifer (Andy) Jerke of Mitchell and sons Kade, Drake, and Luke and one great granddaughter, Emily; a sister, Jean Haase of Brandon; sisters-in-law, Nancy and Carol Denekamp; brothers-in-law, Dick Garner and Allen Wells and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers, James and John, sister, Jeanette, brothers-in-law, Chic Haase and Richard Field and sister-in-law Barbara Wells.