Jerald Applebee passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on New Year's Day, 2025.

He was born May 5, 1938, to John and Ethel (Hagedorn) Applebee in Bonesteel, South Dakota. Jerald grew up with humble beginnings. His perseverance, determination, and unshakable work ethic shaped him into the remarkable man he became, known for his unwavering commitment to education, his community, and his family.

In high school, Jerald was a standout athlete for the Bonesteel Tigers, excelling in basketball, football, and track. He proudly held the school’s high jump record from 1958 until the 1980s, with a jump of 5'11". After high school, Jerald earned a full-ride scholarship to Southern State Teachers College, where he played basketball, ran track and earned his degree in education. He married his high school sweetheart, Karren Peterson, and together they had a daughter, Jeri Lynn. After Karren's passing, Jerald found love again with Carol Knispel, and they were blessed with another daughter, Kristi. The couple shared many wonderful years together.

Jerald’s career as an educator, coach, and principal in Jones County left a lasting impact on generations of students. His passion for basketball was well-known, and he was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Jones County Invitational, a tournament still held today, drawing athletes from across the region. His influence as a mentor extended far beyond the basketball court, touching the lives of countless young people. In recognition of his dedication to the sport and his community, the basketball court at the auditorium in Murdo was named in his honor—a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to both. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the community rallied to celebrate Jerald’s birthday with a parade, with some joking that not everyone had taken driver’s ed from Mr. Applebee—and it showed! The enthusiasm, however, was undeniable.

Jerald was known for his wonderful storytelling, always able to captivate an audience with his humor and charm. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his loyal hunting dogs. He led a life of service and was involved in many organizations over the years, including serving as the president of the South Dakota High School Coaches Association in 1969.

Murdo was home for Jerald - it was where he raised his family, built his career, enjoyed the land around it, and later enjoyed his retirement. After retiring, Jerald filled his days with travel, golf, attending his grandchildren's events, continuing to support Jones County Coyote activities, and daily coffee at the Ford garage, where you could set your watch by his punctuality. He was fortunate to have wonderful neighbors, Larry and Bev Ball, who always made certain he had a warm meal and never felt lonely. In his later years, Jerald was blessed to live in the Texas sunshine with his daughter Kristi and her family.

Jerald’s legacy is one of hard work, deep love for his community, and an unwavering devotion to family and friends. He will be remembered for his leadership, his generosity, and the joy he brought to so many lives.

Jerald leaves behind his daughters, Jeri Lynn (Jeff) Horan and Kristi (Jeremy) Sogn; his grandchildren, Karren (Dylan) Rogers, Brad (Denetta) Horan, Rylan Sogn, Camden Sogn, Charity Zeimet, and Shawn Zeimet; his great-grandchildren, Rylee and Reese Rogers, and Reid, Archer, and Finley Horan; his brother, John (Jean) Applebee; his dear friends, Larry and Bev Ball; sister-in-law, Jeanette (Jay) Drayer; and brother-in-law, Ron Knispel,and Judy Knispel. He is also survived by many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel Applebee; his first wife, Karren; his second wife, Carol; his siblings, Donna Yorba, Don Applebee, and Mary Applebee; his in-laws, Dale and Cecile Peterson, and John and Marguerite Knispel; additional in-laws, Charles Knispel, John Knispel, Janice Knispel, Generose Knispel, Gary Knispel, and Linda (Loren) Sieh; and dear family member, Iris Zeimet Utsler.

Join us for a come-and-go celebration of life, where we’ll share food, drinks, stories, and laughter in honor of Jerald at Tap House 22 in Murdo starting at 6:00 pm CST on January 24, 2025. Feel free to drop by anytime.

Memorial services will be held 1:00 p.m. CST Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Harold Thune Auditorium in Murdo with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will follow at the Murdo Cemetery.