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Jerry Van Beest, 66, of Davis, S.D. passed away at his home on May 28, 2025. A family led memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Delaware Reformed Church, rural Lennox, with a reception to follow at the house.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Jerry John Van Beest roared his way through the pearly gates. He unexpectedly passed away at his residence and transitioned to an eternal life in Heaven finally free from suffering. He faced severe health issues and endured incomprehensible pain.
Jerry was an extraordinary individual who lived his life with great vigor and enthusiasm. He was born in Pipestone, Minn. 07/20/1958 to John F. Van Beest and Lillian Smeins and attended Pipestone High School. He then earned a Blackbelt in Karate and worked various jobs, including at Surge Milking with his father, Lange’s Hardware as well as grave digging. He later founded a lawn and landscaping business in Sioux Falls. Jerry enjoyed basketball, car racing, and motorcycles, and valued the motorcycle community’s camaraderie.
When Jerry met Deb McLaughlin in 2015, he said he knew she was the one on their first date and married her the following year. He lovingly referred to Deb as “my wife” often and said “No one has more fun than us” as they regularly teased one another. Three things brought him immense joy: his wife, riding their trike while camping in the Black Hills, and their golden retriever, Cooper.
After retiring, he enjoyed woodworking and coffee with locals, actively engaging in the community. One of his favorite activities was participating in the Haunting on Highway 18 charity event in Davis, S.D. He meticulously maintained the farm shared with Deb and her father, Jim. Jerry attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for over 40 years, returning each year together with his wife Deb. Their motto was “riding partners for life.”
Jerry always gave his true opinion, whether you wanted to hear it or not. He acted independently and did not wait for anyone. Although his stubbornness contrasted with his wife’s flexible nature, their relationship succeeded and remains an inspiration.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents John F. Van Beest and Lillian Smeins, his mother-in-law Carol Nelson.
He is survived by his wife Deb, his sister Gloria Reed and her husband Kenny (Jasper, Minn.), father-in-law James Nelson (Davis,S.D.), stepson Matthew McLaughlin (Kirksville, Mo.), and numerous friends. He left a great mark on this earth that many will never forget and will be profoundly missed.
A brief service will be held at the Delaware Reformed Church, 46587 285th St., Lennox, S.D. on Saturday, June 7 at 2 p.m. before a joyful celebration of life at the family farm, 46157 U.S. Hwy. 18, Davis. The unique event will continue at dusk with a bonfire. Harley Davidson attire is recommended, and riding your motorcycle to attend is suggested. Please roar your Harley motorcycles during this time to honor his legacy and memory.
(Hofmeister-Jones
Funeral Home)