Gerald was born in Deadwood, S.D. He grew up on his parents’ ranch there, and still owns the home place. He attended school at the Buckhorn school , Dupree, S.D and St. Onge, S.D, He graduated from Spearfish High School.
He married Jacquie Olsen in 1963 and they have five children, Christine, Mike, Tim, Todd, and Sammie,
He has spent his adult life in Wyoming. Gerald worked with horses and cattle most of his life. He trained horses for his own use and others. He trained his first dogging horse with the family milk cow when he was 13 years old. He went on to win many saddles in steer wrestling and breakaway roping. which he still does. He dogged his last steer when he was 52. Gerald produced rodeos for NRCA High School and 4-H. He helped many youth with their rodeo dreams.
Gerald ranches, and owns a small business building roads, basements, and sewer systems in and around Crook County. Gerald served on the Fair Board for the Crook CountyFair and other community endeavors. They even had a bench for him at the high school gym to help encourage the high school athletes.
Gerald is a great mentor and neighbor to all that know him.