Gerald D. Marlette, 78, of Redfield, SD, passed away peacefully Oct 1, 2014 at his home after many years of declining health. His funeral will be Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Reverend Marty Toepke-Floyd will officiate. Visitation will be Friday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. and the family present starting at 5:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. After the services at the church, Gerald's body will be donated to USD-School of Medicine. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to SD Lions Foundation, SD Lions Eye and Tissue Bank, United Methodist Church or Northern State University Foundation.

Jerry was born Jan 26, 1936 in Redfield, to Charles and Edwina (Hagan) Marlette. He attended rural grade schools and graduated from Redfield High School in 1954. Jerry's mother insisted he attend college and he graduated from Northern State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. In 2004, he was named an NSU Distinguished Alum.

Jerry was the first Business Manager of Redfield Public School, a position he held for 13 years. He was then recruited by Superintendent Verle Rogers to serve as Business Administrator at the SD Developmental Center. He worked at SDDC until his retirement in July 1996.

In 1964, he married Marcea Miller. They were married for 15 years and had three children. On Dec. 27, 1980, he married Joan Wallace Klipfel and added two more children to his family. They had many loving years together and Jerry called Joan "my angel".

Jerry joined the Redfield Lions Club in 1960 and served most leadership positions in the club. In 1977-78 he served as District Governor. In his year as District Governor he helped to start eight Lions Clubs and received an award for starting the largest number of clubs in the US. In addition, Jerry sponsored over 100 new members into Lionism, one of only 2 people in SD to achieve this award. He was a dedicated life-long Lion and with his wife and 5 children attended many Lions conventions across the United States and Canada.

When Jerry was recently asked what he liked to do best, he responded "watch college basketball". He was a long time supporter of Northern State University, especially their basketball programs. One could always count on seeing him courtside at the NSU games and he and Joan traveled to many out of town games.

He was a member of the Redfield Lions Club, The United Methodist Church, and the NSU Wolves Club.

He is survived by his wife Joan, daughters Mary (John) Neumayer of Madrid, IA, Carolyn (John) Larsen of Sioux Falls, Angie Gregory (Walt Pfister) of Duluth, and sons Brian (Cynthia) Klipfel of Cave Springs, AR and Robert Marlette of Sioux Falls. Also surviving him are his 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild and his brother Don (Rita) of Sioux Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Doris Rohlfs and brother Marvin.