77

July 24

Hartford

Jerry Zacharias was born on January 27, 1943, to Nellie (Van Kekerix) and Herman Zacharias. He grew up in Hartford on a farm northwest of town. After graduation he started his lifelong passion in the construction industry with Sweetman construction. He married Karen Runge on March 11, 1964. He was later drafted into the Army that same year and headed to start his service in Fort Hood, Texas, later being stationed in Germany.

Upon their return to South Dakota, Karen and Jerry settled into a life in Hartford while continuing his construction work. He later started his own company, Zacharias Construction, which his sons took over as he reached retirement. He took great pride in hearing about their road construction projects and talking with them about the new equipment.

Jerry had many passions in life, including watching Dale Earnhardt and NASCAR races on Sundays and taking pictures of the many construction projects he was on, trucks he worked on or the trips he took. He was also an avid auction attendee and frequently purchased collectible toys and cars. Jerry was blessed in life with many friends that he was grateful to have shared his time with.

Thankful to have shared his life are his family, Karen Zacharias of Sioux Falls; Jeff and Brenda Zacharias, Justin and Katie Zacharias, Jarad and Amy Zacharias, all of Hartford, Sara and Nick Bentele, Derek and Katlyn Zacharias and Andrew Zacharias, all of Sioux Falls; 14 grandchildren; one great grandchild and his sister, Bonnie and Butch Struck of Humboldt.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Gary and Jason Zacharias.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 28, at Miller Funeral Home, Westside Chapel. Interment was in the Hartford Cemetery. 

Arrangements provided by Miller Funeral Home.