JERRY SORUM: January 24, 1941 – June 15, 2024
Rapid City - It is with great sadness and great joy that we remember, honor and celebrate the life of Jerry Sorum. On June 15, 2024, Jerry went to his forever heavenly home, and he is finally free from the bonds of Alzheimer’s Disease. Jerry’s Christian faith guided him throughout his life. He lived his life with integrity, respect, dignity and honesty. He treated people from all walks of life with compassion and grace. He was always the encourager, and so many people felt a bit better after being in his company. He loved to tell his life’s (mostly funny) stories to anyone willing to listen, and he loved to make people laugh! Jerry was also willing to fight for what he believed was right. He was admired for this trait even though some perceived it as stubbornness. His colleagues may have called him, “Helmet Head” from time to time.
Jerry had an extraordinary 35 year career with the JC Penney Company. He was a beloved and respected Store Manager for several stores across the Midwest. He thrived on creating an environment where people loved to work. Whether Jerry managed a store of 25 employees or 700 employees, he always knew everyone’s name and made a point of making a personal connection with each one. He had such a positive influence on so many lives during his career path.
After retiring, Jerry and Harriet moved back to the beautiful Black Hills. Jerry started a second career with his son-in-law, Ryan. They became mortgage lending experts and started Rushmore Mortgage. Upon selling the company, Jerry continued to work for several other mortgage companies. He excelled in this line of work as it was always about the people. He retired from this career in 2017.
Throughout his life, Jerry loved to play outside! Hunting, fishing, golfing, waterskiing, downhill skiing, playing football, basketball, tennis, racket ball, hiking, traveling…the list could go on and on. The most important part was that he was playing and spending time with family and friends. He loved traveling with Harriet. And he would playfully teach and enjoy these passions with his grandsons, Bode and Jesse. Jerry loved all traditions primarily because of the fellowship that they offered.
Jerry fiercely loved his family and friends. Jerry and his beautiful wife, Harriet, have shared 63 years together. They have been the example of unconditional love, playfulness, gratitude, respect, admiration, loyalty, forgiveness, spirituality and generosity that makes love endure. What an example they have been!! Both Jerry and Harriet have provided the best upbringing any child could hope for. Rob Sorum and Kristi (Sorum) McFarland are forever grateful for the beautiful life that Jerry and Harriet gave them. Jerry’s grandsons, Bode and Jesse McFarland were the light of his life. He loved being a grandpa! He absolutely loved playing anything with them. He never wanted to miss an event, a game, a recital, a party or anything that would mean spending time with them. His presence was such a gift.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Harriet; daughter, Kristi (Ryan) McFarland; grandsons, Bode and Jesse McFarland; son, Rob Sorum; sister, Janis Sorum; brothers, Joel Sorum (Laura); Jeff (Sue) Sorum; Jim (Pat) Sorum; Jack (MariDon) Sorum and his beloved nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Nora Sorum; in-laws Hartvig and Syneva Sliper and a few too many precious friends.
Thank you to Mike and Kris Westerbeck who have been such a tremendous support to Jerry and his family, especially during this long Alzheimer’s journey. And thank you to everyone who has visited Jerry in Memory Care and made his life a bit more joyful. Jerry continued to love having people around him, and he continued to laugh and be joyful. And thank you to all the staff, doctors, specialists, nurses and aides who loved and helped Jerry with kindness and dignity. He will be greatly missed.
In honor of Jerry: go fellowship, tell some funny stories, connect with people and enjoy a good laugh!
His Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am Thursday, June 20 at Westminster Church and his Burial Service will be 12:30 pm at the Nemo Cemetery.
