Jerry M. Drake

Jerry Marion Drake was a strong man with a big heart, who never met a stranger. He was brave, stubborn, funny, and full of heart up until his passing on March 2, 2021, at the age of 76. During his recent battle with heart issues, Jerry showed great courage and made the tough decision not to have risky open-heart surgery. Despite the pain, Jerry came out a hero and stayed strong until the end. He was granted his final wish and passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Jerry was born to Willis "Wid" and Ella Mae Drake on December 23, 1944. Jerry fondly shared stories of working with his Grandpa Butch (from whom he learned his cryptic wit), and his life lessons growing up in a small town and as one of 7 children. After graduating from high school, Jerry moved from Iroquois, South Dakota to Hawaii, where he joined the United States Air Force. He was sent to Colorado's Air Force base, received additional training at other bases, then served in the Vietnam War. When he learned his high school friend Karen Schultz had also moved to Colorado, he called her up, they later hitched up, and were married for nearly 27 years. Together they had 3 children: Todd, Tiffany and Troy. His boys definitely got his wit, humor, intelligence, and strong work ethic; his daughter got his soft heart and shared a special father-daughter bond.

Jerry had an incredible work ethic and had a successful lumber milling business in Colorado and Nebraska. He also had a store named "Southpaw" selling all things for "Lefties". Later in life, he worked with his sons in custom construction and snow removal. Jerry didn't stop working until a couple years ago; he was happy when kept busy. Jerry was happiest when camping, sitting around the campfire, riding ATVs and motorcycles, tinkering in his shop or garage, hunting for pheasants, having some drinks, hanging out with his buddies Mark, Dan and Tim in Nebraska, telling stories about his time growing up and when in Vietnam (which he referred to as "The Great Picnic"), but would stick to sharing positive, humorous stories. Boy does he have some great stories. Some of his famous lines were "I never did like you anyway" and "I told 'em I was sick". Jerry had many fun nicknames as well, including "Drake", "Duck", "JD Hog", and "Pollock".

Jerry's recent hobbies included flirting with his VA hospital and hospice nurses, enjoying chocolate Frosties and Pepsi, telling stories from his past, watching Western movies, and spending time with his family. He will be remembered best for his wit, making his loved ones laugh often, his heart for giving to others, his way of being there for friends and family, and his ability to make friends anywhere he went. Jerry's love, humor, wisdom and guidance will be missed, but forever treasured.

Jerry is survived by his beloved children Todd Drake, Tiffany (Craig) Drake-Cable and Troy Drake; beautiful grandchildren Kiersten, Dryden and Taylin, who were his pride and joy; siblings Jim Drake, Junelle Marso, Denis Drake and Dan Drake; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents Wid and Ella Mae Drake, and beloved sisters Judy Kindle and Dixie Carmody.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
A cemetery service with military honors and a Celebration of Life (in good 'ol Jerry style) will be held for Jerry at a later date in Iroquois, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jerry's honor to the Bensley-Rounds American Legion Post 280, 200 S Ottowa St, Iroquois, South Dakota 57353, or to Vietnam Veterans of America at https://vva.org/donate/.