Jerry Poppen

It has pleased the Lord to call home to Himself His servant, Gerald “Jerry” Eldon Poppen on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at his home in Milbank, SD.

Visitation will be at Mundwiler Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will continue at Emanuel Lutheran church at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 27,2023, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery near Albee, SD, where his remains will await the Resurrection of all flesh.

Gerald Eldon Poppen was born on December 14, 1936, on the family farm near Albee, SD. God claimed him as His child through baptism on January 17, 1937, by Rev. Walz. Jerry professed his Christian Faith with his own mouth through the rite of confirmation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Albee, SD, on August 20, 1950. During his youth, Jerry helped his parents on their farm, was active in many Revillo sports, and went to Revillo school.

On January 5, 1956, Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy. He spent four years honorably serving our country on the USS Worcester and USS Toledo. He sailed throughout the world and even brought back a kimono from Japan. He was honorably discharged on November 24, 1959.

His Navy buddy, Jim Paden, introduced Jerry to a young lady from Champaign, IL, named Dixie McGuire. They were wed on July 6, 1960, at the Church of the Brethren in Champaign by Rev. Harry Eshelm. To this union, four sons and a daughter were born.

Shortly after their marriage, Jerry moved his family to Kansas City, MO, where he went to school for electronics. He briefly worked for the railroad in Iowa before returning to South Dakota. Jerry had jobs for Coca-Cola in Watertown, SD, and drove a candy and cigarette truck until he found his true calling as the Milbank city milkman. Jerry started Clover Leaf Dairy with Dixie and delivered milk door-to-door, as well as to many Milbank businesses.

Jerry retired from the milk business in 1999, but in his retirement, he became famous among preschool kids all over Milbank as Jerry the bus driver. He drove for Lions Bus and Milbank Community Transit. His retirement was also filled by the many activities that his grandkids were part of. Jerry went to every Milbank High School sporting event that he could attend. He also drove all over the country to see his grandkids in Minnesota, Texas, and Missouri.

Jerry was a faithful member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, regularly attending worship services, Bible studies, and many other functions the church offered. He was loved and cherished by all who knew him in Milbank. Jerry loved to visit with anyone and everyone. He was always concerned about everyone else and often refused help in order to allow someone else to receive it instead. His passion was to help others in any way he could. Jerry was a sacrificial husband, spending hours a day with his wife in the nursing home.

Left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his wife, Dixie; his four children: Richard Poppen of Milbank, SD; Terry (Amy) Poppen of Rowlett, TX; James (Becky) Poppen of Cambridge, MN; and Jennifer (Scott) Horne of Cedar Park, TX; along with 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Laurena Poppen; his sister, LaVonne Wagner; his brother, Dean Poppen; and his infant son, Kenneth Wayne Poppen.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.In memory of Jerry Poppen, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:

• EMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – MILBANK
• Orphan Grain Train