Jerold Metsel Zerfoss, age 81, of Wessington, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Thursday, September 24, 2020.

His memorial service was held at 1:30 PM, Thursday, October 1st, at the Wessington Gym at Wessington. A Masonic service followed the memorial service. Burial was in the Wessington Cemetery. Military rites were be conducted by the Watson-Krauter Post #110 Wessington American Legion.

His service can be viewed here.

His visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday, at the gym.

Compliance with CDC guidelines for social distancing and face coverings is advised during the service.

During these trying time Jerold's family prefers memorials; giving to the charity of the donor's choice.

Jerold Metsel Zerfoss was born December 22, 1938, in Estherville, Iowa, to Metsel and Faye (Dague) Zerfoss. The family moved to South Dakota in 1940, where he attended Whiteside Township School through the 8th grade, he attended Wessington School until 10th grade; and graduated from Wolsey High School in 1956.

He married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Hawley on September 29, 1956. They were blessed with two children, Dawn and Darwin.

Jerold enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956; he proudly served his country for 20 years in Naval Aviation. He obtained the rank of Master Chief. He made several deployments on aircraft carriers including two to Vietnam. After retiring from the Navy in 1975, Jerold and Joyce made their home in Wessington, South Dakota, where they farmed and owned and operated an aerial spraying service, JMZ Aviation and later County Line Agviation. He hung his wings up in 2007.

Jerold enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Throughout the years, he could always be heard cheering them on at various sporting events and very rarely missed an event.  After retirement, Jerold took up golfing and spent many afternoons with his buddies at the Miller Country Club.  Each fall, he could be found hunting pheasants with many family friends from Ohio and Alabama.  Jerold enjoyed spending time visiting with anyone and everyone, occasionally over a beverage or two.

Jerold loved his community and served on several boards and organizations including, Wessington City council, Beadle County Commission (12yrs), VFW, Masons (58yrs), Shriners International, and Wessington Economic Development Committee.  He was also a lifetime member of Wessington American Legion. Jerold proudly served many positions within the Presbyterian Church in Wessington.

Thankful to share his life with him are his wife, Joyce, of 64 years; two children, Dawn (Kenny) Bailey of Waynesboro, Virginia and Darwin Zerfoss of Huron; six grandchildren, Brandi (Scott) Gilbert of Hitchcock, Jared (Lacey) Zerfoss of Wessington, Brittney Zerfoss and Bailey Zerfoss, both of Huron, and Lauren Bailey and Zane Bailey both of Waynesboro, Virginia; five great-grandchildren, Tucker, Jaylee and Harley Gilbert and Jeven and Makenna Zerfoss.  He is also survived by two brothers, David (Janelle) Zerfoss and Neil (Jackie) Zerfoss; two sisters, Lynette (Mike) Hopkins and Janice (Larry) Arbogast; and many nieces and nephews.  Jerold will also be missed by a very special family friend, Jeff Widmann of Daytona Beach, Florida.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Roger; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Jerold's family would like to express their appreciation for the excellent care given by HRMC Hospice.

View Jerold's Floral Arrangements