Gerald “Jake” Kammerer, 78, died Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in Silver City, SD.
Born in Rapid City, Jake was raised on the Kammerer homestead on Elk Creek and attended Cathedral High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
He married Anita Schweigert in 1970 and settled in Rapid Valley to raise their family. In their free time, Jake and Anita enjoyed dancing together, playing cards, home improvement projects, and visiting family and friends.
Jake worked at Black Hills Packing Co. during the day, operated a janitorial service during the evening, and ran a mobile fleet washing company on the weekend. He later worked 22 years as head custodian at Canyon Lake Elementary. Upon entering retirement, Jake worked at St. Thomas More Middle School until a congenital heart defect forced him to fully retire in 2018.
When he wasn’t at his day or night job, Jake was lending a helping hand to family, friends, or anyone that needed one. Jake was a man with an utterly selfless heart. He was a passionate advocate for justice and learning, frequently found reading, contemplating social issues, and advocating for positive change.
Drawn to the peace of the Hills, Jake and Anita moved to their forever home in Silver City in 2004. Less from habit and more from a deep intention, Jake would frequently remark on his awe of nature, the beauty of silence, and the marvel of the woods and forces around him. He had a steadfast devotion to his faith and a deep compassion for all things Good.
Jake is survived by his daughters: Tonya (John) Gomez of Silver City; Lori (Travis) Phillips of Cedar Rapids, IA; Tara Kammerer of Rapid City; and Desiree Jacob of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by his sister Arlene Boetker and brothers Marvin, Maurice “Monk”, and John Kammerer, all of Rapid City. Grandpa will be missed by Sophia Gomez, Olivia Gomez, Sam Phillips, Celia Phillips, Kyra (Landon) Hood, Taj Jacob, and also by his beloved nieces and nephews.
Jake was preceded in death by the love of his life Anita, parents Fred and Susan Kammerer, brother Edward Kammerer, and sisters Eva McAllister, Rosemary Liston, Shirley Harbin, Deloris Komarek, and Joan Kline.
Memorial Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church on October 21, at 10:30 a.m, with reception following at Canyon Lake Resort. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Club for Boys.
Burial at Black Hills National Cemetery will be held at a future date.
Friends may sign his online guestbook at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.
