Jer Popma

Jerold “Jerry” Robert Popma was born on May 10, 1945, to Russell and Hazel (Van Wyhe) Popma in Hawarden, Iowa. The family moved to Pipestone, Minnesota and Jer attended school there, graduating from Pipestone High School in 1963. He was proud to be a wrestler in high school and enjoyed his opportunity to compete. On February 20, 1965, he was united in marriage to Gayle Winter at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Pipestone. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where Jer worked as a gas attendant at Bob’s Conoco for two years. Jer was a member of the Army National Guard from October 1963 until April 1967. They then relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota where he attended Dunwoody Institute for two years, studying for his electrical degree. He graduated in 1968, and went on to hold several positions with electrical companies. After 12 years, Jer decided to earn his contractor’s license and moved back to Pipestone. He started his own company, Jer’s Electric Inc, which he would continue to operate for 38 years. Jer loved helping the elderly and found ministry in his work by solving their electrical problems free of charge. After his retirement in 2017, he turned the business over to his son, Corey. On Monday, December 23, 2019, Jer passed away at the Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 74 years, seven months, and 13 days.

Jer was a current member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church where he often served as an usher. He was also a member of the board at First Farmers and Merchants Bank in Pipestone. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing and collecting antique tractors. Jer’s family was very important to him. Some of his favorite memories were made while playing cards with his grandchildren, whom he lovingly called “little stinkers,” and simply spending time with family. He always seemed to have a one-liner that brought laughter and was known for wearing sleeveless shirts regardless of the weather or season. He will be remembered for his kind, generous, and hard-working nature.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle of Pipestone; children, Corey (Julie) and Kyle (Stacy), both of Pipestone, Kellie (Matt) Taylor of Flandreau, South Dakota, and Amy (Ed) Balster of Pipestone; nine grandchildren, Amanda DeZeeuw, Taylor Popma, Megan Popma, Carlee Popma, Cole Taylor, Tyler Balster, Kenadie Balster, Grayson Balster, and Camryn Balster; two great-grandchildren, Austin DeZeeuw and Julian Lange; and siblings, Shirley Kallsen of Minneapolis, Russ (Lilly) of San Diego, California, Darlene Nelson of Denver, Colorado, Carol Johnson of Pipestone, and Tom (Brenda) of Temecula, California. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Lynn; parents, Russell and Hazel; great-granddaughter, Samantha Lange; brothers-in-law, Bill Winter, Loren Kallsen, and Kenneth Johnson; and nephew, Jamie Winter.