Jerome Joseph Erhart

Jerome (Jerry) Joseph Erhart 63, from Lemmon, SD died peacefully in his sleep, on April 11, 2024, at the Palisade Healthcare Center, Garretson, South Dakota.

Jerry was born October 13, 1960 in Minot, North Dakota to Lawrence and Shirley (Bauer) Erhart.

In 1962, he moved to Billings, Montana and when he became of school age he attended Little Flower Catholic School.  Jerry enjoyed belonging to a Boy Scout Webelos pack, and he also played little league baseball during the summers.

In 1972 the family moved to Lemmon, SD, where he continued Boy Scouts and participated in sports.  His favorite sport was wrestling and he also developed a love for fishing. He would go fishing anytime he got the chance. As a boy he could always be seen around Lemmon mowing lawns and shoveling snow to earn pocket money.

In 1979 Jerry went to live with his Uncle Larry and family in Milbank, SD, where he finished his last year of high school, graduating in 1980.  While at Milbank High School he became a standout on the wrestling team. He worked very hard and made it to Regionals, where he won a match with a highly rated opponent and he went on to State.  He graduated from Milbank High School in 1980.

Jerry graduated Summa Cum Laude, in 1984, from Jamestown College, Jamestown, ND.  He earned a double degree Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, and in History and Political Science.

Shortly after college, Jerry served in the National Guard for 2 to 3 years. He then moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he worked as a substitute teacher.

1990 found Jerry returning to his family home in Lemmon, SD, where he helped his mother care for his father; who was declining in health. He also assisted his father with Larry's TV and Electronics Repair business.

Jerry eventually took over when Larry could no longer continue running the business. After his parents' deaths he remained in Lemmon, living in the family home and keeping the business open.

In December 2019 Jerry's overall health declined to the point that he had to go into long term care.

Jerry's passions in life were his pet birds and cats, reading historical autobiographies, fishing and playing scrabble with his mom. He was also a big fan of the Chicago Cubs. In his later years he found a love for cooking and baking, using many of his mom's recipes.

Jerry is preceded in death by his infant niece: MacKenzie Rokusek, his parents: Larry and Shirley Erhart, and his brother: Bill Erhart.

He is survived by his two sisters: Sheri (Scott) Rokusek, Watertown, SD, Nancy (Rodney) Cain of Moorhead, MN, and by his six nieces and nephews: Allison Rokusek, William Neuheisel, Melissa Johnson, Julie West, Rob Neuheisel and Amy Neuheisel.

Cremation has taken place, services are pending.

Cards of condolence can be sent to:
Sheri Rokusek
1848 Northridge Dr
Watertown, SD 57201