Jerry Wayne Kirchhevel, 87, went to his heavenly home Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Avera Queen of Peace in Mitchell. A private family graveside will be held at a later date. Arrangments by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Lake Andes.

Jerry Kirchhevel of Geddes, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. He was born on November 2, 1938, in Lake Andes, South Dakota, to Chris and Meta Kirchhevel. Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Geddes area and held a deep connection to the community he called home. In his younger years, he played on the Geddes baseball team, where he formed lasting friendships and cherished memories. Throughout his life, Jerry was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. He worked at the chicken hatchery in Lake Andes, on the railroads, and later as a custodian at the Fort Randall Pickstown Dam, where he remained until his retirement. Jerry found great joy in the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapshooting, and was especially known for his skill as an expert gun shell loader, a craft he took great pride in. He also treasured time spent golfing with friends at courses in Pickstown and Platte. An avid sports fan, Jerry took great joy in following and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. Jerry was known for his fun personality and sense of humor. His nieces and nephews especially enjoyed his stories, including tales of “shooting rocks” and the time the transmission went out in his car and he drove in reverse all the way from Lake Andes to Geddes, later saying with a grin, “I’m a good driver.”

Jerry is survived by his siblings: Richard Kirchhevel; Nancy (Arlen) Roinstad; Sharon (Richard) Spykstra; and Raymond (Donna) Kirchhevel; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will hold his memory close.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Meta Kirchhevel; his siblings: Evelyn (Lowell) Tieszen, Harry (Lola) Kirchhevel, Agnes (Lawrence) Oberg, Carolyn (Ted) Skoglund, and Gordon Kirchhevel; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Kirchhevel.

He will be remembered for his stories, his humor, and the lasting impression he made on all who had the privilege of knowing him.