Gerard “Jerry” Perdaems, 101, South Heart, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023 with his family lovingly standing vigil. Jerry’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, South Heart, with Fr. Shane Campbell as the celebrant. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the Spring of 2024. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and Vigil at 6 p.m., with Deacon Ron Keller presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday at the church.
Jerry was born to Gerard Perdaems and Marie (Luykx) Perdaems on October 17, 1922 in Dickinson. Jerry attended school in South Heart and was a member of the first graduating class of South Heart High School. He attended St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN and Dickinson State Teachers College before returning to the farm. There he began what has become a fourth generation legacy.
He often shared memories of his childhood and spoke lovingly of his mother. When Jerry was seven years of age, he and his mother boarded a ship and crossed the Atlantic Ocean to visit family in Holland. He spoke of this trip often. He inherited her love for music becoming the family violinist. He spent hours listening to music while he read literally hundreds of books on his kindle. As he got older reading became a treasured past time.
Jerry married Mildred “Milly” Hondl on July 9, 1945. They raised five children on the family farm near South Heart: Jerry (Sandi), Kathy (Larry) Diebel, Jim (Rosie), Jeannie (Mike) Koffler, and Mary (Bob) Hankins. Together they modeled a strong work ethic, a love for the outdoors and the value of family. Their love for the farm has been passed down through the generations, as it is still considered “home” by their children, eight grandchildren; JoLyn (Craig) Tessier, Amy (Steve) Martodam, GJ (Gloria) Perdaems, Leslie (Jim) Adams, Jennifer (Mike) Freeman, Becky Perdaems, James (Jen) Perdaems, and Jessica (Bob) Nasset and 25 great-grandchildren.
A man of strong faith, Jerry lived his life faithful to the teachings of the Catholic church, always making space for God. He loved attending Mass. He was devoted to beginning each day reciting the holy rosary. He never passed by St. Mary’s Church without making the Sign of the Cross. Through the years Jerry supported his community by serving where ever he could. He was a member of and the first Grand Knight of the South Heart K of C Council. He was a member of and Faithful Navigator of the Dickinson 4th Degree Assembly 790. Jerry was a member of the Eagles Club and a lifetime member of the Elks. He served on the South Heart School Board for 16 years, a legacy he passed on to his son and granddaughter. Jerry served on the South Heart Elevator Board, Farm Credit Board and Weed Board. He was a member of Dickinson Golf Club Board and Charter member of the Pheasant Country Golf Course in South Heart.
Although Jerry worked long hard hours on the farm and in the community, he made time for recreation with family and friends. He and Milly spent many evenings out for card playing or dinner and dancing with friends. They were avid fans of South Heart Eagles basketball team taking in nearly every game for countless seasons. They passed on the love of fishing, camping, and golf to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family often gathered at their house for “happy hour” taking a break to discuss the issues of the day.
After retirement Jerry and Milly spent many years traveling south for the winter. Eventually they settled in Safford, AZ each winter where they made wonderful friends and enjoyed many rounds of golf.
Jerry is survived by his loving family; his sister, Anne Meyers; sisters-in-law; Lil Kuchenski, Effie Hondl and Ann Hondl.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Milly; his siblings, Ida (Pete) Degel, Lou (Dorothy), Cory (Phyliss), and Bruce Meyers.
Jerry was lovingly cared for by his family after his wife passed away in 2017. It was a ministry we shared and cherished. During these final years Jerry still spent time at the farm, especially during seeding and harvest seasons. He never needed help climbing up into the tractor or combine to sit in the buddy seat and share stories about seasons gone by. Occasionally he found it a good place to take a short nap.
His last audible words on Friday, November 3 were, “I love you too”. Jerry may have been small in stature, however he was large in presence. We will miss him dearly.
