Gerald A. "Jerry" Carley

of Clearwater Beach, Florida formerly of Philip, South Dakota, died on Monday, November 16, 2020
at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater Beach at the age of 84

Gerald "Jerry" Carley passed away peacefully under the care of hospice on November 16, 2020, in Clearwater, Florida.

Jerry was born on November 24, 1935 and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, where he met his first wife, Joan DeMers. They were married in August of 1954 and had four children: Cindy, Don, Terri, and Maureen. Jerry married Audrey Iversen (Barber) in October of 1968 and had two children: Gerald (Jerry) and Milo. With his marriage to Audrey, three children from Audrey’s previous marriage were added to the extended family: Georganna, Chris, and Roy.

During his high school years, Jerry worked at various supermarkets. During his senior year, he worked full time on the night shift at the Old Home Bakery. After he graduated in 1954, he spent a brief time as an apprentice carpenter before returning to the grocery business. In 1957, he worked for Swift and Company as a meat salesman. In 1960, the company transferred him to Rapid City, South Dakota. In 1963, he accepted a job with Western Wholesale Liquor Company as a liquor salesman. One of the businesses he sold liquor to was a distressed American Legion club in Philip, SD. In 1966, he purchased their liquor license and built Jerry’s Steakhouse and Lounge.

In 1977, he and his wife, Audrey, purchased a local grocery store from Larry and Mary Deis. Shortly thereafter, they purchase the Fashion Shoppe that Audrey ran on a daily basis. The Fashion Shoppe eventually expanded to a total of three locations in surrounding towns. Jerry was quick to point out the importance of Audrey in their successful business ventures.

Jerry went to work at Scotchman Industries in the early 1980’s as the Vice President of Sales. He remained at Scotchman until he retired in 2001 as the President of the organization. He would periodically reminisce and was proud about how much more financially secure Scotchman was upon his retirement versus when he started at the organization.

Jerry was a long-time board member of the First National Bank in Philip. Prior to retiring from the board, he was recognized for 37 years of dedicated service. He was also a long-time member of the Masons. He joined the Morning Side Lodge #615 in Sioux City, Iowa in 1958 and eventually transferred to the Philip Lodge #153 in 1980. He received his 60-year service pin in May of 2018.

Jerry was very proud of the community of Philip and the hardworking men and women who called the Philip area home. Even though he lived in Florida most of the time after his retirement, he kept his house in Philip so he could return and be with friends and family during golfing and lawn mowing season.

Jerry was thankful to spend his last years with his very special partner, Marie Bard. Jerry and Marie were active in their condominium association and hosted various social events. They were members of the Yacht Club in Clearwater Beach, Florida and were known to play a competitive board game to see who would pay for supper.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey, his parents, Ross and Ella Carley, a brother, Milo Carley and a sister, Lynne Robinson. Survivors include a brother, Robert (Bob) Carley (Diane), six children: Cindy Folin (Paul), Don Carley, Terri Callis (Dan), Maureen Weldon (Scott), Jerry Carley (Julie) and Milo Carley (Gette). Jerry was also very close to Audrey’s children: Georganna Addison (Jim), Chris Iversen (Cheryl) and Roy Iversen (Judy). He will be missed by 19 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren of this large, blended family.

Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Fine Arts Gym in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

It is requested that memorial gifts be forwarded to the Philip Area Health Foundation C/O Fund Development Office, P.O. Box 324, Philip, SD, 57567.

Service Details

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, June 12, 2021 - 1:00 p.m.
Fine Arts Gymnasium
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Barb Bowen - Prelude/Postlude Pianist
Special Music
“I Can Only Imagine”
“Dancing with the Angels”

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Charlie Ekstrum - Jerry Ingram - Corky Thorson
Jerry Kroetch - John Heltzel - Bob “Spike” Carley

Guest Book

Jerry was a liquor salesman and came to my parents liquor store in Interior when I was a teenager. He always came into the house and sat at the table and visited. My parents considered him a good friend until their passing. He was a very nice man, so friendly always. Prayers of peace for all your family.
   ~ Marilyn Gartner Interior (11/19/2020)
So sorry for your loss .
   ~ M&M Larry Schulz & Lydia Philip, SD (11/26/2020)
Prayers to the Carley families. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the days ahead.
   ~ David and Karen Webb Rapid City SD (11/19/2020)
So sorry for your loss. Jerry was a great guy. Will be missed dearly.
   ~ Patricia Groven 709 Main Street PO Box 253 (6/13/2021)
Prayers and thoughts are with you
   ~ Cerrie Bierwagen Rapid city (11/19/2020)
Jerry, this was so very well written. And, perfectly conveyed a life well lived . We (Boyd and I) were honored to know him and count him as friend. God bless you and your families.
   ~ Jeanie Waara 22217 11 Mile Road Box 369 (11/25/2020)
Carley Family, so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was a very special person and always had time to visit. God Bless.
   ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (11/18/2020)

Flowers

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Scotchman Industries
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Cindy and Paul
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The Hartwig Family - Perry, Steph, Beau, Luke, and Rachael
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The Carley's - Ross and Ella, Mike, Bob, and Lynne
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Marie, The Carley's, and the Iversen's
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Debbie Eisenbraun; Phil and Johnita Stapleton; Kelly and Chaney Boomer; Scott and Laci Varilek; and Families
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Philip Motor