Gerhard (Gerry) Heinrich Harms, 88, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital on August 25, 2025.

Gerry was born July 29, 1937, at St. John's Hospital in Rapid City. He was the younger son of Gustav and Gesina Harms, immigrants from Oldenberg, Germany.  They built their family home and business along Rapid Creek (Swiss Chalet Motel). Gerry was named after Gerhard Heinrich, who paid for his father Gustav's passage to the United States in 1924. His early years were filled with swimming at Canyon Lake, delivering the Rapid City Journal on his bicycle, and working summer jobs including Pactola Dam, the South Dakota Cement Plant, and the Dog Track. He inherited his work ethic from his parents. Sharing his stories of his experiences building Pactola, left an impression on his kids.

A graduate of Rapid City High School, Gerry excelled and lettered in football, basketball, and track, and was honored as 'Rapid City High School Athlete of the Year.' He studied at the University of South Dakota before being accepted into the University of Minnesota Dental School, one of only two South Dakotans admitted that year.

In 1960, Gerry married Alyce Marie Halvorson, whom he met at a dance in Hill City. After graduating dental school, Gerry served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps, stationed at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. He and Alyce later returned to Rapid City, where he opened a dental practice and cared for generations of patients. Gerry served as the president of the South Dakota Dental Association. He co-authored a book, Wealth Building for Professionals, a financial guide for doctors, dentists and professionals, and consulted with dental practices post-retirement. Gerry had a strong entrepreneurial drive, owning several golf related businesses, a cattle ranch, and being a founder of Meditrol, a company that created an innovative hospital-based pharmaceutical distribution system that went public.

Gerry was deeply committed to his community and faith. A proud member of Calvary Lutheran Church for nearly 50 years, he also donated his time with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Big Brothers, and the Lions Club. He joined the Sons of Norway, as a nod to Alyce and her Norwegian heritage. He coached youth sports and believed strongly in mentoring the next generation. A Master Gardener, he loved working with the soil, raising flowers and vegetables. He also loved tending to his beloved dogs.

A devoted family man, Gerry cherished taking his family on two-week camping trips each summer exploring the United States and visiting many national parks. He also enjoyed tennis, golf, hunting, and sharing stories of his childhood adventures in both South Dakota and Germany.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alyce; his parents; and his brother, Bernie. Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters Wendy Harms and Julie Harms; sons John (Tammy Ryder-Harms) Harms and Mike (Natalia) Harms. Grandchildren John and Tammy's children Steven Harms, Alexandra Harms, Anna Ryder, and Ella Ryder, Julie's children Emily (Patrick) Grutzner, Sarah Fraley, Charlie Fraley, and Mike and Natalias' children Tatiana Harms, Kristina Harms, and Max Harms. Gerry also leaves behind his special friend, Kathy Sundby.

Visitation will be Friday, October 10, from 5–7 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday, October 11, at 10 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, followed by a luncheon. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, where Gerry will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, his brother, and his parents.

Gerry will be remembered for his faith, service, work ethic, love of nature, and his devotion to family. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will carry forward his stories and his values.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Gerry's memory to: Calvary Lutheran Church, 5311 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702.