YANKTON, S.D. — Gerald Edwin “Jerry” Kleinschmit Jr., 76, Yankton, S.D., died Jan. 7, 2026, at Angelhaus East Assisted Living, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 13 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Yankton, with Rev. Thi Pham officiating.

Burial will be in the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Bow Valley, at a later date.

Pallbearers are Jerry’s grandchildren, Dylan and Mason Steffen, Christian and Brooklynn Gall and Carter Teply.

Honorary pallbearers are Jerry’s great-grandchildren, Gaven Kleinschmit and Abaddon Gall, and a great-granddaughter, on the way.

Visitation, with a rosary and vigil service, was Jan. 12 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home, Yankton, and continued one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Jerry was born July 22, 1949, to Gerald and Irene (Pinkelman) Kleinschmit on the family’s farm near Bow Valley. Jerry grew up in a large family with six brothers and three sisters, and he was honored to be the one to carry on his father’s namesake. He attended rural country school and began working at a young age. Jerry also enjoyed spending time on the family farm, and has told many stories about his adventures on the farm. Jerry married the love of his life, Sharon Christensen, June 7, 1969, at Sacred Heart Church. Jerry and Sharon made their home close to his parents in Bow Valley and had four children, Douglas Sr., Shiela, Sherri and Geraldine. Jerry worked hard to support his family as an over-the-road truck driver, and worked the majority of his 40-year career at Marquardt Transportation. He was a dedicated, skilled truck driver, who drove through rain, wind, and snow to always deliver.

Jerry is survived by his children, Douglas (Lori) Kleinschmit, Hartford, S.D.; Shiela Steffen (Todd Quatier), Mission Hill, S.D.; Sherri Gall, Norfolk; and Geraldine (Tom) Teply, Yankton, S.D.; his grandchildren, Douglas Jr., Lucus and Erik Kleinschmit, Lisa (Josh) Mayfield and Jeremy Meyer, Dylan (Darrah) Steffen and Mason Steffen, Sally and Nathan Quatier, Christian (Zoey) Gall and Brooklynn Gall, Carter Teply; great-grandchildren, Gaven Kleinschmit and Abaddon Gall; and siblings: Clinton (Chevonne) Kleinschmit, Eileen Kusel, Roman Kleinschmit, Dale (Sandy) Kleinschmit; two sisters-inlaw: Connie Kleinschmit and Carolyn Kleinschmit; brother-in-law, Daryl Lammers; and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Irene; wife, Sharon; father and mother in-law, Roy and Vlasta Christensen; sisters, Dorothy Tramp and Joan Lammers; brothers, Charles, Ronald and Dennis Kleinschmit; sisters-in-law, Phyllis and Pat Kleinschmit; and brother-in-law, Jim Kusel. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.