Jerold "Jerry" Max Perrett, 87, Rapid City, SD, and formerly of Deadwood, SD, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026. Jerry was surrounded with family and the love of his life Jeannie Faye.

Jerry was born on March 4th, 1939, to James and Ruth (Jones) Perrett in Hyannis, Nebraska. The family moved from Nebraska to Terriville, Central City, and eventually settled in Deadwood, SD. Jerry was a proud graduate of Deadwood High School, class of 1957. Jerry then attended Black Hills State College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in History and Physical Education in 1967. On December 31, 1963, he married the love of his life, Jean Bringman. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support that will be forever treasured and measured. To this union, four wonderful children were born. As a father, he was rock solid- a steady, loving presence who guided his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with strength, wisdom and endless encouragement with a quiet pride that made them all feel truly seen and cherished. His family was the center of his world, and their bond was one of his greatest blessings. What truly set Jerry apart was his remarkable gift for connections. He knew nearly everyone in Deadwood and Lead by name and by story. He loved long meaningful conversations with his lifelong friends and family. Jerry cared, was deeply compassionate, lifted spirits and offered help without hesitation. His gift to make you feel valued is one of the most impactful gifts. I am sure he is sitting up near God with a fishing pole in his hand, a smirk on his face and sharing some of his favorite memories. Onward Ever Backward Never.

In his younger years, Jerry worked with his dad cutting and hauling timber, and for the phone company. Once he began his teaching and coaching career, he taught in Niobrara, Wall, and eventually settled in Deadwood, where he found fulfillment in enriching the lives of students and athletes. Jerry was an encourager who truly believed in human potential. Jerry had a resilient spirit, a passion for competition and if you knew him you understood it was tied in with integrity and dedication. His students and his athletes were truly an extended family to him. Years of reminiscing and revisiting his days as a coach brought him so much joy in his later years. Jerry had a long list of passions that included skiing, fishing, hunting, any back road in the Black Hills, bass ponds on the prairie and one of his favorites with family and friends in tow, was putting around on his pontoon at Sheridan Lake and or Pactola. If you were lucky enough, he might tell you about his secrete fishing lure.

Starting a new chapter, he brought the family to Rapid City, where Jerry was very successful in the auto industry. He loved getting to know people, seeing old friends, helping them, and staying connected with them. For Jerry, once someone became a friend, they were always a friend, and he formed many lasting relationships during his years at Rapid Chevy. Jerry's savvy business side led him into real estate, keeping all his rental properties up and running and building a legacy for his family. Jean was always right by his side be the 1st hand. His "retirement" years. He always said, "Recliners kill ya."

After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003 and given a limited prognosis of approximately 6-18 months to live, Jerry went on to live 23 meaningful years filled with faith, friendship, kindness, and service to others. He faced his diagnosis with remarkable strength and tenacity, refusing to let it define him or limit the life he continued to embrace. Instead, he used that unexpected time to spread joy, deepen relationships, and live as a shining example of compassion and unwavering commitment to others.

We will always remember "Jerry", "Dad", “Pop”, "Papa", "Brother", "Uncle", “Coach”, “Friend" as someone who lived a life defined by caring and profound selflessness. His unconditionally loving heart gives us all something to strive for. His legacy is one of absolute devotion to his wife, family, and friends. If you were lucky enough to have known him you felt it too. Jerry's motto, "God, Family & Friends - in that order," is what he truly lived by every day. Thank you for being the compass in our lives, we love you so very much.

Survivors include his bride and love of his life of 62 years, Jean Faye Perrett, son David (Carol) Perrett, daughter JeriJo Perrett-Rantapaa (Kurt), daughter Mellissa (Jeff) Weidenbach, and son Jason (fiancée Kelsey Delbridge) Perrett. Sisters Judy McGrath & Theresa (Garth) Virkula. 13 wonderful grandchildren. Rhianna, McKenna, Wyatt, Alec, Milia, Layton, Elijah, Jesse, Jenna Faye, Hannah, Jenna Jo, Tassy and Jett. 14 great-grandchildren, Morrison, Weston, Miller, Joseph, Liam, James, Remington, Macie, Jax, JoLynn, Russell, Rhett, Lane and Witten. Along with several nieces and nephews that he adored and loved. He was a gift to us all. Listening to his stories, soaking up his wisdom, spending quality time on so many personal levels will never be forgotten. We all will do our best “Coach” to continue to pay it forward through the villages. What an honor it has been. We were so lucky and blessed. You will never be forgotten. We love you so much.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dick, Tom, Dan Perrett, and nephew Rick McGrath.

In Spirt of this most amazing man, we ask that you wear your favorite flannel, fishing or hunting, or outdoor shirt to the service and Celebration of Life. Jerry would be way more comfortable that way. “That’s the way we do it around here…”

Visitation:Thursday, May 7th, 2026, at Osheim Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Friday May 8th, 2026: Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM at Crossroads Wesleyan Church with Pastor Sonny Rosbrugh officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City.

Celebration of a Top Shelf Life will immediately follow. 12:30-5 pm. Location: Generations Event Center, 7775 Palmer Lane, Rapid City SD (exit 52) Peaceful Pines Road. Head East. .09 miles then turn left (north) on Palmer Lane. You will not miss it.