Obituary: Jerome "Jerry" Stilwell

Funeral Services

Funeral services will take place on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

Concordia Lutheran Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

Interment

Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Print Obituary

In memory of

Jerome "Jerry" Stilwell

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 83

Jerome Lloyd “Jerry” Stilwell was born February 16, 1933, in Philip, South Dakota, the son of Jerome E. and Hilma E. (Johnson) Stilwell. He was baptized and confirmed at the South Creek Lutheran Church. He grew up in the Kadoka area, raised on the ranch east of Kadoka, and attended Flat Top rural school. In the 5th grade he started at Kadoka School, and attended through high school, graduating in 1951.

In February, 1952, Jerry enlisted in the US Navy. He was stationed on the USS Bremerton throughout his military career. He was honorably discharged on February 15, 1956. After his service, he returned to Kadoka, and attended South Dakota State College in Brookings for three years. He returned to Kadoka and worked for the soil conservation service, painted buildings with Don King, and played cards with Beef Uhlir.

Jerry was united in marriage to Jo Anne Arends on December 29, 1960, in Philip, South Dakota. They made their home in Philip, where Jerry managed Cal-Gas, and later worked at Dorothy Bros. American Parts for 20 years. Together Jerry and Jo Anne, worked hand in hand in numerous businesses which included owning and operating the Drive In Theater in Philip, as well as the theater in Kadoka, operated the Star Drive Inn for 20 years, and the Gem Theater for 25 years.

In 1989, Jerry and Jo Anne moved to Kadoka and purchased the Hilltop Motel. Later they purchased the Dakota Inn, and the adjoining land. After the closure of a local restaurant in Kadoka, Jerry decided that there was a need for a local restaurant, so they opened Jigger’s Cafe, which they owned and operated until selling the business in April 2016.

Together Jerry and Jo Anne were in business for 54 continuous years. When Jerry had free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Throughout his life, Jerry always enjoyed sports, basketball, baseball, and football, especially SDSU sports. His greatest joy, was spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife Jo Anne of Kadoka; one daughter Lori Fitzgerald and her husband Mark of Gillette, Wyoming; three sons Jerome C. “Jerry” Stilwell and his wife Jeanne of Lenoir, North Carolina, James Allen “Jim” Stilwell and his wife Jackie of Kadoka, and Jeffrey Lee “Jeff” Stilwell of Long Island, New York; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother Merle Stilwell and his wife Linda of Kadoka; one sister Margaret May of Wasilla, Alaska; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Clark Stilwell; a sister Doris Kerns; and a grandson McKenzie Stilwell.

Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 2, at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Kadoka, with a luncheon to follow at the church.

Private family graveside services will be held at the Kadoka Cemetery.

MEMORIAL SERVICES
Monday, May 2, 2016 - 10:00 a.m.
Concordia Lutheran Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
Pastor Duane Neugebauer
Father Tyler Dennis

MUSIC
Randi Oyan - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
“Anchors Away”

USHERS
Veryl Prokop - Charlie Prokop

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

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~ Jennifer Maddison Munich (10/17/2022)
So dry Sorry to hear of Jerry's passing, Gene & I have very Fond memories of both of you ! May God Bless !!!! ~ Pam & Gene Blakesley Amboy, Mn. (5/3/2016)
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jerry will always hold a special place in my heart. ~ David Obershaw Birch Run Michigan (5/2/2016)
JoAnne, Jim & family, I'm sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you. ~ Ang Madsen-Gilchrist Nebraska (5/2/2016)
It is very difficult to lose our loved ones. I pray the Lord will comfort you. ~ Larry Beckwith Rapid City, S. D. (5/2/2016)
That infectious smile and little hitch in his getalong will define Jerry for me. He was a fighter, facing adversity with courage. I am so sorry for your loss. ~ Nancy Ekstrum Philip (5/1/2016)
Joanne, my heart breaks for your loss, know that you and your family are in my thoughts & prayers. His kindness & smile will be missed by all who knew him. ~ Cindy (Gabriel) Nuzum Wall, SD (4/29/2016)
Sincere sympathy to Joanne and family at this time of loss. We were shocked when Ralph told us he was in hospital. It was like home stopping at your motel and seeing you folks and eating at Jiggers. Glad we were able to call you friends. ~ Gerald and Charlotte Tripp Schaller,Iowa (4/28/2016)
Our condolences. You're in our prayers. -Mae & family ~ Mae Whirlwind Horse Interior, SD (4/28/2016)
JoAnne, Lori, Jerry, Jim & Jeff
Sorry to hear about Jerry. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family. ~ Doreen Harter Rapid City (4/28/2016)
Joanne and family, We send our sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. May God wrap His loving arms around each of you and His peace surround you. God bless now and the days ahead. ~ Larry and Vicki Neiderworder Philip,SD (4/28/2016)
What a fighter! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss. His spirit will live on through Jiggers. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (4/28/2016)
JoAnne and family, our heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Jerry was a hard working man, and always had a great smile! ~ Don and Jolene Haynes Philip, SD (4/27/2016)
Joanne & family,
Sorry for your loss; Treasure all of the good times and be assured that Jerry is at Total Peace with his Lord. Thoughts & Prayers for all of You, Kathy & Jerry ~ Jerry & Kathy S. Noteboom Lead, South Dakota (4/27/2016)
Joanne & family, Our deepest sympathy. So many memories of a very caring, friendly man. God Bless. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St. Sturgis,S.D. (4/27/2016)
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Jerry was quite a guy, so interesting to visit with. Hold onto all the memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (4/27/2016)
JoAnne and family, I was so sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. I have a lot of good memories of working for you and Jerry at the drive in. I will always remember how kind Jerry was to everyone and that he always seemed to have a smile and a friendly word for everyone. He will be greatly missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. ~ Jo Ann Hanson Spearfish (4/27/2016)
Dear Joanne and family
Jerry always greeted us with a smile that filled his entire face. It was easy to be happy in his presence!
May you find comfort in the many memories you have and knowing God is holding you thru all of this. Hugs to you all in your time of loss! Many hugs to you all!
Love to you
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie & Lukas Butler ~ Michelle Butler Philip SD (4/27/2016)
JO ANNE AND ALL FAMILY MY SIMPATHIES ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME, JERRY IS IN GOOD HANDS NOW IN HEAVEN, AND WITH HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS... HUGS TO YOU ALL ~ TEDDY LOUISE KADOKA, SD (4/27/2016)
It was an honor to know him. Hugs and prayers... ~ Kassie Kukal Kadoka (4/26/2016)
Jo Anne and family,
I am saddened to read about the passing of Jerry. I have many many fond memories of working at the drive in. Learned so much about hard work and its rewards from you two. Jo Anne, you and Jerry made working fun! All my thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Christi Zebroski Weber Rapid City, SD (4/26/2016)
Jo Anne and family, Chris and I are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed any time we ever had with Jerry. May god comfort your family at this time. ~ Chris and Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (4/26/2016)
Deepest sympathy for the whole family. I have many many memory's with Jerry and his family. You were some of my first employers when I was young taught me lots of skills. Great guy he will be missed... ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (4/26/2016)
Jigger was a very good friend of mine, sorry to hear the news. Thinking about you Joanne ~ GRABLE kadoka (4/26/2016)