Jerald "Jerry" Rolf Fray, age 81, of Beresford, SD passed away Tuesday December 1, 2020, at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls with his wife and children at his side.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 8 at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford, SD.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to services at 9:30 AM.  Burial services will be held immediately following the service at Dalesburg Baptist Cemetery.  wassfuneralhome.com

Jerry Fray was born August 22, 1939 in Vermillion, SD to Vina (Johnson) and Rolf Fray, the older twin to his sister, Jeanette. He also had a younger sister, Linda. He grew up on a farm south of Centerville, SD. At the age of 8, he lost his father in a farming accident. He attended country school through the 8 ^th grade. They then moved to Centerville where he attended high school, graduating in May 1957. He worked for a farmer for a couple years following graduation.

He began working for the SD Department of Transportation in Beresford in 1960. He served in the army from May 1963-May 1965 and was stationed at Ft. Leonardwood, MO. Once back home, he resumed working for the SD Department of Transportation in Beresford, transferring to Yankton when the Beresford office closed. He worked for the SD DOT 38 ½ years as an engineer, retiring in May 1998.

He married Carolyn Beers from Hurley, SD on October 30, 1965, and they just celebrated their 55 ^th wedding anniversary.  They have 2 children, Sharee and Jeff. They moved to Beresford in January 1973. They purchased their first and only house in 1976 where they still resided at the time of his death.

Jerry was a member of the Beresford Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years, gaining many lifelong friends during that time.

Jerry loved building and fixing things. He spent many years after retirement fixing up his house. He especially enjoyed working on projects with his family.  He also enjoyed spending time outdoors working on his yard and visiting the state parks. He loved all holidays, but he especially loved Christmas.   He was currently a member of Central Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, SD.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his younger sister Linda, and his brother-in-law Allen Duerst. He is survived by his wife Carolyn; daughter Sharee (Keith) Koenig of Tea SD; son Jeff (Rachel) Fray of Brandon SD; grandchildren Alec Goldammer, Shelby Fray, Emily Goldammer, Julia Fray, and Kenzie Koenig; his twin sister Jeanette Duerst; 3 nieces; a nephew; and wonderful neighbors, Larry and Darla Norling, who became like family.