The funeral service for Gerald “Jerry” Hans Skramstad, 84, of Warner, South Dakota, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Warner, with Pastor Jeff Whillock officiating.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street, Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Sunset Memorial Gardens, with military honors by Warner American Legion Post 137. Jerry passed away peacefully at his home in Warner on February 27, 2026.
Jerry was born on March 29, 1941, to Oscar and Stella (Anderson) Skramstad. He was one of eight children and grew up in a large, loving family. He graduated from Nome High School in 1959.
In 1959, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably until 1962. On June 15, 1963, he married the love of his life, Sharon Fraedrich. Together they built a life centered on love and commitment and were blessed with two daughters, Lisa (Scott) Beck and Lori (Eric) Simek, and four grandchildren: Derek, Landon, Emily, and Aiden; and great-grandchild Benson, who were his pride and joy.
Jerry devoted 42 years to the grain elevator industry. He began working in Edgeley, North Dakota, in 1962, moved to Gettysburg, South Dakota, in 1963, and in 1967 started at the elevator in Warner, where he remained until retiring in 2004. He was respected for his reliability, steady work ethic, and friendly demeanor.
Jerry enjoyed time spent with his family and treasured the memories they created together. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, enjoyed boating and fishing, watching Warner’s sporting events, and took great pride in wrapping up gag gifts each Christmas, bringing laughter and joy to those around him.
One of Jerry’s favorite traditions was spending the week of the Fourth of July camping at Tony’s Campground. Those summer days were filled with laughter, campfires, celebrations, and treasured time with family, including many special memories with his in-laws.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; daughters Lisa (Scott) Beck and Lori (Eric) Simek; grandchildren Derek Beck (Shieryl Digma), Landon (Abigail) Beck, Emily Simek, and Aiden Simek; great-grandchild Benson Beck; and many extended family members including his sisters Carol Peterson and Barb (Chuck) Nogowski; sister-in-law Marlene Skramstad; brother-in-law Robert Hanson; and in-laws Phyllis Schlecht, Dolly Fraedrich, Beverly Robertson, Charlotte (Roger) Haarsager, Gary (Randy) Fraedrich, and Deb (Kevin) Jordet, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Stella Skramstad, and other loved ones who passed before him.
Jerry will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend. His quiet strength, kind heart, and steadfast dedication to his family leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
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