Jerry Wadleigh

Dates

Obituary

Jerry Wadleigh, 79, of Mt. Vernon, SD, passed away suddenly but peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in his home in Mt. Vernon. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 18, from 5-7:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell with a 6:15 PM prayer service. Burial will be at a later date in Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Mt. Vernon.

Jerry Keith Wadleigh was born on October 21, 1945, to Elmer Edward and Mabel Frieda (Sipe) Wadleigh in the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, SD. He was the fourth of five sons. He grew up on the Wadleigh and Sons family farm north of Mount Vernon. Jerry graduated from Mount Vernon High School in May of 1963.

While attending school, he met his wife, Darlene Mae Stickley. They were married on August 29, 1965, in the First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon. Jerry attended South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City, SD. He changed his major to history and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Dakota Wesleyan University of Mitchell, SD. They welcomed three children into this world: Eric (1967), Brian (1968), and Dina (1971). Jerry became a teacher in Schleswig, IA, White Lake, SD, Columbus, NE, and ended up moving to his own farm in August of 1981 in Mount Vernon. He taught history and was a wrestling coach for Mount Vernon High School. He was known as “BIG GUY” by many of the students. He was able to teach all three of his children from the same school he graduated from in Mount Vernon. He retired from teaching after having a stroke in 2005. He continued to farm with Darlene by his side. He is blessed with two grandsons, Justin and Jacob Vostad.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Wadleigh who resides on their family farm in Mount Vernon, SD; children, Eric Wadleigh of Shakopee, MN, Brian Wadleigh of Mount Vernon, SD, and Dina (Jason) Vostad of Sioux Falls, SD; grandsons, Justin (Kyra) Vostad of Sioux Falls, SD and Jacob Vostad of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Eugene (Cynthia) Wadleigh of Casper, WY; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, David, Dale, and Richard; and one grandson, Jonathon Elmer Edward Wadleigh.

Visitation(s)

Cemetery