HURON –– Jerry Galliger, age 87, of Huron, passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Huron Regional Medical Center. His Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Huron. Visitation with his family present will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday morning at the church. Jerry Galliger, the son of Roy and Elizabeth (Gritman) Galliger, was born on January 24, 1939, in Bonilla. He attended all twelve years of school in Bonilla, where he had a proud and storied athletic career as the starting center on a winning basketball team. He graduated in 1957. On July 24, 1960, Jerry married Carol Melstad, his soulmate, best friend, fishing partner, and constant companion, at the UCC Congregational Church in De Smet. The couple lived in South Dakota, California, Nevada, and North Dakota before eventually returning to Huron, where they raised their four children.
After leaving farming in 1957, Jerry began working for the federal government as a land surveyor for the Bureau of Reclamation. He later moved into drafting and then office engineering for the Bureau. In 1980, he transferred to the Office Engineering Section of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). He dedicated a total of 37 years to government service. After retiring in 1994, he worked part-time at Randall’s/Coborn’s Grocery and Liquor, where he enjoyed interacting with people.
Jerry was involved with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for a number of years. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and later faced bladder cancer.
He remained a devoted Presbyterian throughout his life after joining the church in Bonilla. He became a very active member of First Presbyterian Church in Huron, serving as an elder, chairman of the Worship and Music Committee, co-chair of the Nominating Committee, choir member, and deacon. He also served on the Building and Grounds Committee for many years. In 2003, he was honored as a recipient of the Hineni Award.
Before losing his eyesight to glaucoma, Jerry most enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, and water sports. Above all, he cherished spending time with his loved ones.
Grateful for having shared his life are his son, Steven (Janet Ambur) Galliger of Madison; three daughters, Tana Hagel of Hartford, Jeannette (Tod) Naser of Mitchell, and Susan (Brian Bederske) Galliger of Huron; seven grandchildren, Michael (Kayla) and Samantha (Blake) Galliger, Christopher and Ashley (Adam) Hagel, Derek and Andrew (Kendra) Naser, and Jayden Bederske; and six (with one more on the way) great-grandchildren, Adaline, Nolan, Alexis, Cora, Emily and Caleb. He is also survived by many beloved nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Howard and Arland, Camden and Melba; three sisters and three brothers-in-law, Vera, Dorothy and Les, Ruby (Delbert), and John; as well as other beloved nephews, nieces, and a great-nephew.
Flower arrangements are welcome, or donations may be made in Jerry’s name to Balance Ophthalmic, 2600 W. 49th Street, Suite 300, Sioux Falls, SD 57105.
Visit www.welterfuneralhome.com
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