Gerald Junior Bachmann, 89

Gerald Junior Bachmann, 89 passed away on July 21, 2021 at the Avantara Nursing Home in Pierre.

Funeral services were  held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 26, 2021, at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, South Dakota.

Gerald was born on Feb. 5, 1932, at home north of Wood, SD to Gottleib and Marie (Krieger) Bachmann.  Gerald attended the Mellette County School through the 8th grade.  He worked on the farm until the time that he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Korean War from November 1952 until November 1954.  He earned the rank of Corporal.

On April 23, 1956, he married Frances Bartels in the little brown Episcopal Church. To this union four children were born, Wayne, Derald, Joyce and Brian.

He worked for C. J. Grossenburg from 1958 until he went into business for himself.  Gerald liked to hunt and often entertained guests that came from out of state.  His passion was fishing and he could often be found along the shore or in his boat casting a line.  He was also very proud of all the Canadian geese he raised.  He and Francie enjoyed riding motorcycles and trikes with friends and traveled to many states taking in the sites.  Gerald was very involved in 4-H.  He was a pie judge for over 20 years and supported the 4-H Premium Sale.   He loved going to auctions and benefits.

Grateful for having shared his life, sons – Wayne (Denise), Derald (Melanie), all of Winner, Brian (Deb) of Pierre and daughter – Joyce (Reynaldo) Cruz, Corpus Christi, TX.  Grandchildren – Brian Cruz, Stephanie (Rob) Garneau, John Cruz, Jennifer (Justin) Larson, Brielle Bachmann, Brennan Bachmann and Kyle Winckler. Great grandchildren – Ofelia Cruz, Ashley Garneau, Otto Garneau, Bobby Liserio, Mason and Waylon Larson.  Brother – Don (Ruth) Bachmann, Winner, sisters – Betty Cotsamire, and Louise Klein, both of Loveland, CO; Brothers-in-law – Lloyd (Vicki) Bartels, Hamilton, IN, Raymond (Judy) Bartels, Winner; and sister in law – Judy Novotny also of Winner;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Bachmann, his parents Gottleib and Marie Bachmann. Sisters – Kathryn Brown and Mildred Burnham, brothers – Herman Bachmann and Chris Bachmann.  Brothers-in-law – Loren Cotsamire, Caroll Brown, Jim Burnham, Albert (Butch) Novotny and great-grandchild, Owen Larson.