Gerald Patrick Barnett
SIOUX FALLS - Gerald Patrick Barnett, 63, went to his heavenly home July 5th, while hiking in the Colorado Rockies with his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 15th, 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls with a reception following. Visitation will be Sunday, July 14, at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home in Sioux Falls from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Scripture Vigil, Rosary, and a time for sharing starting at 7:00 PM.
Jerry was born November 29, 1960 in Sioux Falls to Tom and Dorothy (Lieurance) Barnett, the eighth of twelve children. He attended St. Mary’s elementary school and graduated from O’Gorman High School in 1979. He briefly attended USD participating in many SEARCH retreats which transformed and strengthened his relationship with the Lord. Jerry attended St. Mary’s seminary in Winona, MN for a year before deciding the priesthood was not the right path. He worked construction for a few years before returning to USD earning a degree in criminal justice. While at USD, he met his future wife, Judy Helma, while attending daily Mass at the Newman Center.
Jerry and Judy celebrated 35 years of marriage last May and have been blessed with eight children and nine grandchildren. They include: Caleb of Walthill, NE and his son, Dylan, of Omaha, NE, Casey (Jess) of Manhattan, KS and their daughter, Scarlet, Katie (Stephen) Bollinger of Lexington, KY and their children, Adeline, Jameson, and Bauer, Kelsey (Deven) Franklin of Tampa, FL and their children Rosalyn and Ronan, Maggie (Dustin) Honomichl of Minneapolis, MN and their children Levi and Elliot, Michael of Coronado, CA; and Jenny and Jessica of Wagner, SD.
Through the years, Jerry worked at facilities and in programs helping youth and adults to better their lives. Some of these included the Wyoming Women’s Prison, Chamberlain Academy, Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs in Ft. Thompson and Wagner, and as a probation officer for Charles Mix County. Jerry went above and beyond at his job as a probation officer, often extending his conversations with his probationers and doing whatever he could to help them be successful. Jerry was very active at his church, serving as lector, Eucharistic minister, collection counter, CCD teacher, and he also cantored while his daughters accompanied him on the piano.
Jerry will be remembered for his incredibly strong faith and his tremendous love for his family. His spare time was spent golfing, hiking, playing board games, gazing at the stars and planets, watching the Twins and Vikings, listening to music and singing, and tracking the international space station. He was also extremely proud of his Irish heritage.
Jerry is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; sisters: Jeanne (Dan) Kangley; Mary (Rod) Pierce, Carol (Curt) Nesbitt; brothers: Tom (Jacki), Max (Nancy), Mark, Andy (Angie) and Jeff (Jamie); in-laws: Joe Helma, Jerry Helma, Chuck Helma, Mary (Jim) Young, Sue (Gary) Bubbers, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Dorothy; his parents in-law: James and Dorothy Helma; his brothers: Ed, Michael, and Greg; his nieces: Whitney Barnett and Liz Barnett. Memorials may be directed to the family at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home 901 South Minnesota Avenue SF SD 57104. barnett-lewis.com