April 17, 1948, a little cowboy was born to Elmer and Martha Hanson (of Norris, South Dakota) in Valentine, Nebraska. The boots were ready, and the first horse was a little Shetland pony named Jewel. In 1955 the family moved to the Kadoka area where Jerry attended school. He became involved with the high school rodeo club, football and basketball as well as church activities.

Jerry made many lifelong friends and was crowned High School King his senior year. Music was all around him growing up in the Hanson house so it was a natural for him to pick up a guitar and play and sing along with the family.

Jerry competed in every event in rodeo (rough stock and timed). He was the all around cowboy at the national finals rodeo. He also won several state and regional titles in reining and working cow horse events. He raised cows, buffalo and farmed. He was a very accomplished guitar player and singer. He also was an amazing basketball player that could drive on anybody and also hit the outside shots. He lived life by his own rules with no apologies. His advice was overwhelmingly honest. Everyone that knew him could say they learned a life lesson of some sort from him. He believed in Jesus and loved his family (he also loved to be ornery).


He was loved and will be missed. Truly one of a kind.

Survivors include a son Travis Hanson of Rapid City; a daughter Debbi Quinn of Kadoka; a step-daughter Heather Hanson of Casper, Wyoming; four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters Charlene (Gary) Sieler of Rapid City, Joanna (Richard) Stone of Rapid City, and Sheryl (Bill) Bouman of Kadoka; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Martha (Heinert) Hanson.

A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 12, at the Kadoka City Auditorium.

A memorial is established to the Kadoka Buffalo Stampede for use at the Kadoka Rodeo Arena. Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 58, Kadoka, SD 57543.