Gerald Girdley

Gerald Gene Girdley age 82, of Rapid City, passed away on July 12, 2016. He was the loving husband of Rollene Annette Girdley, whom he shared 52 wonderful years of marriage with. He was the cherished father of Nikki Abaldo of Birmingham, Ronni Melvin of Grosse Pointe, Kimberley Chapman of Spring Hill, TN and Lisa Nurenberg (Tim Nurenberg , Tim Lake) of Bellaire, dear grandfather of Tabatha Mick (Daniel Mick) of Rapid City, Timmothy Nurenberg II (Tiffany Richmond) of Bellaire, Tamara Nurenberg (Nickolas Konsella)of Bellaire, Bryan Melvin IV and Dillon Melvin of Gross Pointe, Monica Sacco of Birmingham, Christopher Chapman and Kayla Chapman of Spring Hill,TN, Ashley Lake (Joseph Lightheart)and Sydney Lake (Christain Konsella) of Bellaire. He was great grandfather to Kevin Waghorn, Reagan Mick, Ryan Mick, Timmothy Nurenberg III and Sylis Konsella. Gerald was preceded in death by his grandson Benson McClain, his parents, and 11 siblings. Gerald proudly served his country as a 17 year old in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He began his civil career as a teamster driver and after retirement he continued a successful career as a builder and appraiser. Gerald was a Shriner and Elk Lodge member and also a member Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He had a passion for golf and loved to spend time with his family. Mass of a Christian Burial will be held Friday July 15th at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids, with Fr. Robert J. Zuchowski officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 14th from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Vigil Service starting at 7 p.m. all at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Funeral arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.