Obituary of Gerald Gene Mace

Gerald Mace, 74, passed away on April 6, 2023 after a 1 1/2 year battle with cancer. At Gerald’s request no services will be held. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at: www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Gerald “Jerry” Mace Sr. was born January 10th, 1949, in Yankton Sd. To Ervin and Margaret (Cook) Mace.

Jerry married Marilyn Drapeau and had two sons. Mike and Jerry Jr. Along with this union were 4 step children, Jerome, Regina, Valerie and Roberta. Jerry loved them as his own.

In 1996 while working construction in O'Neill, NE he met Cindy Milner.  They eventually moved to Yankton and started a family with the birth of Twins Dakota and Dylan Mace.

Jerry worked construction most of his adult life. He was a commercial framer. He taught Mike and Jerry Jr. The business and was proud to work along side of them. He worked for Jarco Builders out of Sioux City IA at the time of his retirement.

After retirement he traveled with Dakota and Dylan to Every bowling tournament they bowled in across the state. He was known as their "coach". He was so proud of their accomplishments and their work ethic.

During the latter part of his retirement, he babysat for three of his Grandchildren, Kristopher, Khloe and Kennedy. They were the true love of his life. He smiled at them until the very end. They will greatly miss Grandpa.

Jerry will be missed by Cindy, Dakota (Dylan), Dylan Mace all of Yankton. Mike Mace, Roberta and Regina of Kansas City; Sisters, Mary Kelley of Hawarden IA, Leann McGraw of Sioux Falls, Stephanie Orozco Sioux City IA; Sister in law Gerri Otteman of Yankton; Brothers Ervin Mace Jr. (Tiffany) of Brandon SD, Leo Mace of Sioux City IA, Travis Mace of Neligh NE, Cindy’s Family (Inlaws) Bill and Carolyn Milner of Atkinson NE, Sheri and Steve Edmisten of Bloomfield NE, Bill and Sonja Milner of Grand Junction CO, and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. 

He was preceded in Death by his parents, brothers Alan, Ed and Donald Mace. Children Jerry Jr., Jerome and Valerie.

Jerry was a grumpy old man that had "the look" you were scared of, and that’s why people loved him. He did not hesitate to tell you what he thought. As requested by Jerry there will be no services as he hated funerals. He said " why would I go to theirs, they ain't coming to mine." He hated funeral luncheons even worse and directed Dylan to " tell people to go home and eat their own damn food".

He will be missed by many.

Fly High Jerry.

A private family gathering was held Monday night for family.

Cards and Memorials may be sent to the family.