Gregory Bartholomew Veerman

Aug 27, 1969 -

Jul 3, 2024

Gregory B. Veerman, 54, of Sioux Falls, S.D., peacefully passed away at his home with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

Greg was born on August 27, 1969, in Annapolis, Md. He moved to Anchorage, Alaska with his parents, Dick and Judy Veerman. His Alaskan upbringing with his brother, Scott and sister, Valerie influenced his life and connection to the outdoors. He spent much of his youth fly fishing with his father and brother. Greg also played hockey, cross country skied, played baseball and soccer, and performed on the clarinet, guitar and piano – a true Renaissance person.

Greg graduated from Dimond High School in 1987. He graduated from Lewis and Clark College. In Portland in 1991, Greg started college as a music major before switching to English. He remained in Portland after graduation, taking a job as a writer at Willamette Week – a launchpad for his future career in creative writing and directing. He also was the lead singer of a local punk band, Sleeve, which played gigs around the Portland area.

In 1999, he married Jane Rehfuss, a native of South Dakota. With two young sons, Greg and Jane moved to South Dakota in 2005. He transitioned to a career in advertising, first as creative director at a Sioux Falls agency before starting his own firm, Astronaut. He remained in Sioux Falls for the next 20 years, where he and Jane welcomed two more children, Oliver, and Phoebe. He continued to grow his business and build friendships in the community while living on his much-loved Main Ave where their annual holiday parties were legendary and where they made many of their closest friends.

Greg enjoyed fly fishing in the Midwest, bringing his children on camping trips in the Black Hills and taking his beloved golden retriever Gigi on long walks. Greg enjoyed exploring the countryside on long, solitary rides on his motorcycle. He also loved to read and write poetry to his wife, and was always interested in the changing political scene, locally and nationally. He loved a good debate while enjoying a good Manhattan.

Greg is survived by his parents, Dick and Judy Veerman of Anchorage; his wife, Jane and children, Gus, 26, Jude, 23, Oliver, 16, and Phoebe, 15, of Sioux Falls; brother, Scott (Julie); sister, Valerie (Randal); and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held at The Miller Funeral Home in Sioux falls in July. Another Celebration of Life will be in Anchorage in June 2025.