Gerhard M. Nilsen was born November 29, 1960 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey to Gerhard H. And Rita (Fusco) Nilsen. He died unexpectedly at work January 3, 2025 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 64.

Jerry was raised and attended school in New Jersey with his brother, Evan. After high school Jerry attended college before starting his career as a carpenter. He worked in the northeast as a union carpenter for commercial contracting companies. Jerry met Kathryn Mahoney in 1990 on a job site. He may have made a monkey of himself, but in the end, he got the girl and they were married May 22, 1992.

The couple made their home in New Jersey until 2012 when they moved to Centerville, SD. Jerry continued to work in commercial construction, he was a foreman with The Berg Group. Jerry was community minded, serving on the Centerville City Council and also as the town's mayor.

There were a few things in life that Jerry truly treasured; his family, God, and taking pride in his work. Jerry was a church member at Providence Reformed Church in Vermillion, where he was surrounded by many people who loved and cared for him. He was the rock of his family and would do anything for the people that he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kathy; four children, Jessica, Daniel, Kyle and Emma (Sam); one granddaughter, Amelia with the second expected soon; his mother, Rita; brother, Evan and step-mother, Barbara. Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Gerhard.

Funeral services will be 2PM Friday, January 10, 2025 at Trinity Reformed Church, 7301 S Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108. Visitation will be Thursday 5-7PM at the church and one hour prior to the service on Friday.