Jerry Whitney, South Shore, SD, passed away New Year’s Eve 2023.
Jerry is our only two-time People’s Choice award winner.
His Ford COE’s won in 2018 and 2020 at our annual Dam Run.
His immaculate trucks have always been crowd pleasers.
Jerry Whitney, Age 69, of South Shore, South Dakota passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at his home in South Shore.
Services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown, Pastor Ken Nelson will officiate, along with Carl Tesch, who will speak.
A visitation will be held from 5-7pm Monday, January 8, 2024 at Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel.
Jerry Gene Whitney was born on April 17, 1954 to Myron and Lorraine (Tribitt) Whitney of Waverly. He grew up on the family farm, was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1973.
In 1973 he was united in marriage to Fern Rude. Two sons, Scott and Matt were born to this union. In 1976 they purchased the farm south of South Shore where Jerry would reside his entire adult life.
Jerry bought his first combine at the age of 21 and soon took over the family business, Whitney Harvesting. For 43 years he harvested from Texas to Canada, making many friends and many repeat customers along the way. Due to health reasons, he sold the business in 2017.
Jerry was always adept at “building something out of nothing.” After his retirement, his passion became building and restoring old cars and trucks. He and his companion, Dawn would show these vehicles at various events in South Dakota and Minnesota, often entering two or more cars at a single show. They amassed many trophies in their ventures. Maintaining his sense of humor through his tribulations, Jerry stated, “Make sure to note in my obituary that I’ve still got some cars for sale!”
Jerry is survived by his special other, Dawn Kenyon; son, Matt (Sarah) Whitney; granddaughters, Hayley (Devon) Schulte, Harley and Bently Whitney; siblings, David Whitney, Larry (Marge) Whitney, Jane Haan (David Stratton), Alvin (Sue) Whitney and Joan (Roger) Taecker; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Scott Whitney; brother, Dale Whitney and his special friend of many years, Marlys Chambers.
Wight and Comes Funeral Chapel serving the family ~ www.wightandcomes.com.
Please keep the Whitney family in your thoughts and prayers.
