Jerald L. 'Jerry' Hellwig, 79, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

He was born on February 9, 1939, in Menno, South Dakota to Floyd Herman and Elenora (Foos) Hellwig.  He attended grade school in Menno and moved to Sioux Falls at age 13. Jerry then attended Lowell Grade School and then graduated from Washington High School in 1957.

In 1958 he joined the Marine Corps and served 3 years.  In 1962 he went to California and then in 1965 he moved back to Sioux Falls, where he began work in the construction industry.

He was united in marriage to Phyllis Brudvig LaFrenz on November 27, 1981.  In 1983 they moved to Rapid City, where he bought a restaurant.  In 1985 he returned to the building industry and built apartment buildings all over the country.

Jerry loved to fish, spend winters in California and to just spend time relaxing after he retired.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Lisa (Mark) Mincey, Simpsonville, South Carolina; son Dirk LaFrenz, Hermosa, South Dakota, daughter, Vicki Kirkpatrick, Rapid City; brother, Vern Hellwig, Rapid City; five grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Stacey LaFrenz and grandson, Andrew Mincey.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City.  Burial, with military honors, will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, Children's Miracle Network or a charity of the donor's choice.