Jerome R. "Jerry" French, 74, of Rapid City, passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

He was born on January 31, 1947, in Osnabrock, North Dakota to Webster and Sarah (Northfield) French.  Jerry attended school there and graduated from high school in 1965.  He then attended college at Valley City State University and attained a bachelor's degree in Business.  He began his career in the financial industry in Jamestown at the Savings and Loan.  During college he enlisted and trained with the Air Guard.

He was united in marriage to Louise Opp on August 2, 1975, in Jamestown.  The couple moved to Rapid City and continued his career with various financial institutions as a financial planner.  He retired from Wells Fargo Financial Advisors in 2008.

Jerry loved listening to music of all genres, especially country/western, and many times knew the life history of the performers as well.  He was also a very active in the Rotary for over 50 years and served as club president in Jamestown and Rapid City.

Grateful for having shared his life are wife Louise; 2 brothers, Curtis French, Edmonds, WA and Wayne (Virginia) French, Edina, MN; a brother-in-law, Richard Opp, Greeley, CO; 3 sisters-in-law, Barbara Opp, Greeley, Carolyn French, Edina, MN, and Mary Ann French, Fargo, ND, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents in law, Harold and Wilma Opp, and 2 brothers, Ernie and Herb French.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, Feb. 13, at South Canyon Lutheran Church.  It will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/SouthCanyonLutheranChurch/ The service will also be recorded and placed on his tribute page at https://www.osheimschmidt.com/obituary/jerry-french

Memorials may be directed to South Canyon Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice.