Gerald Lee Voss, known to most as Jerry, died on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Jerry was born on March 12, 1942, to Hans and Edna (Briggle) Voss on the family farm near Beresford, South Dakota. He grew up there alongside his younger siblings—Ron, Patty, Doug, and Randy—rooted in the land and shaped by family, learning early the values of perseverance, loyalty, and quiet strength that would carry him through life.
As a young man, Jerry was drafted into the United States Army and served a tour in Vietnam. There, he witnessed profound chaos and hardship—experiences that marked him deeply and were carried mostly in silence. He was awarded the Bronze Star, a testament to his courage and to the many men who served honorably in Vietnam and returned home bearing the unseen weight of war. Jerry continued his service for 20 years, retiring in 1986.
In 1962, Jerry married Lynn Herzog. Together they raised three sons: John, David, and Daniel. Military life took the family to Germany, Texas, and Ohio before Jerry ultimately returned home to Beresford. There, he settled on a small acreage and found peace in tending the earth—gardening, raising miniature horses, and spending time with his devoted dog, Ridger.
Jerry was an active member of the United Church of Christ in Beresford and deeply involved in his community. A man of many words, Jerry believed that everyone could—and should—have their own thoughts and opinions. He built friendships not on politics or beliefs, but on how people treated one another, valuing kindness, respect, and character above all else.
He served faithfully in the Lions Club, including a term as Regional President in 2015, a year highlighted by attending the International Lions Club Convention in Hawaii. On most Saturday nights, Jerry could be found at “My Bar,” microphone in hand, singing karaoke—proof that joy, like music, is best when shared.
A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Jerry carried that same fierce loyalty into the stands, where he proudly supported his sons and grandchildren in all their athletic, scholastic, and military pursuits. His voice could always be heard above the crowd—“Let’s go. Go. Go. Come on!”—a constant encouragement that followed them long after the game, the event, or the ceremony had ended.
In 2015, Jerry sold his farm and moved into town, embracing a simpler life while never giving up his love for gardening. His vibrant petunias filled every available space, small bursts of color reflecting the care he quietly poured into the world around him.
In March of 2025, Jerry moved west to be closer to his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Vicki and became a resident of Avantara Mountain View in Rapid City.
Jerry is survived by his sons, John Voss and David Voss of Austin, Texas, and Daniel (Vicki) Voss of Rapid City; his grandchildren—the utmost pride and joy of his life—Amanda Voss of Chesapeake, Virginia; Rowdy Hillmer and Josh Davis of Hill Air Force Base, Utah (currently deployed and serving the country); Makenzie and Curtis Traversie of Isabel, South Dakota; Sterling Hillmer of Brookings, South Dakota; and Casey Voss of Rapid City. He is also survived by his brothers, Doug Voss of Beresford and Randy (Renee) Voss of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Edna Voss, and by his siblings Ron and Patty.
A memorial service will be held at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford, South Dakota, on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service.Interment of ashes will take place at 12:00 p.m. at the Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with full military honors. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
When Taps is played, it will not only mark the close of a soldier’s duty, but the quiet settling of a life lived with resolve, humility, and heart. Jerry answered the call when asked. His watch is ended. His rest is earned. And his legacy lives on—in service remembered, voices echoed from the stands, gardens grown, and grandchildren dearly loved.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.