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Jerry Nemecof Midland, South Dakota, died on Sunday, June 21, 2020
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Jerry James Nemec was born August 21, 1941 in Pierre, SD to Jerome and Rena (DeYoung) Nemec. He was the oldest of five siblings. He grew up on the family farm north of Midland and attended Pheba country school until transferring to Midland where he completed his four years of high school.
It was while attending high school that he met Sonia Rose Meyers. They were united in marriage on July 3rd, 1960. He and Sonia went on to have five children: James (Jim) Lee, Lester Jacob, Charlene Kay, April Marie, and Christopher John.
Jerry initially worked on the family farm until purchasing a Texaco bulk dealership in 1965, which became known as Nemec Oil. Jerry was enjoying his new lifestyle, but missed farming, so in 1966 he purchased farmland north of Midland and began splitting his time between running the oil business and farming. Jerry’s love for the farm finally outweighed his joy of the oil business and in 1982 he sold Nemec Oil and purchased additional land north of Midland.
Jerry was actively involved in his local community where he served on the Town Board for 30 years and as Mayor for 25. He looked at volunteering as a privilege and was a longtime member of the Volunteer Fire Department. Jerry realized early on that an important part of a town was having a reliable water source. He was heavily involved in the geothermal well system and represented Midland at a Geothermal Convention in San Diego in 1998. He knew geothermal would be hard to sustain overtime and was an advocate for bringing in the rural water system.
Survivors include his wife Sonia, of nearly 60 years; three siblings Larry (Mary) Nemec of Pierre, Dick Nemec, and Marjorie Nemec both of Midland; brother-in-law Jerry Henderson of Valentine, Nebraska; along with his five children Jim (Carmen) of Belle Fourche SD, Lester (Jolene) of Flowood MS, Charlene of Bismark ND, April (Steve) Meeker of Spearfish SD, Christopher (Stephanie) of Mitchell SD; fourteen grandchildren: Jalene (Mark) Davis of TN, Chase (Jessica) Abrahamson of TN, Crystal (Justin) Roby of OK, Shaun Hilmes of OK, Jamie Meeker of NE, Miranda (Jonny) Higham of FL, Beth (Joey) Gori of TX, Jacob (Jacque) Nemec of VA, Joanna Nemec of AL, Kayla (Adam) Chally of OK, Dale Nemec of SD, along with Laura, Grant, and Clay Nemec all of SD.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Jerome and Rena Nemec, along with one sister Patty Henderson.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Black Hills State University Foundation—
Attention: Nemec Scholarship Fund
1200 University, Unit 9506
Spearfish, SD 57799-9506.
Cards can be sent to—
Sonia Nemec
540 Falcon Crest Dr.
Apt. 123, Spearfish SD 57783.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at St. William Catholic Church in Midland with Father Gary Oreshoski officiating. Due to church guidelines the mass is limited to family only, but you are welcome to watch the live streaming of the service from this webpage when the service begins.
Interment will be held immediately following the funeral service at the Midland Cemetery. All are welcome to join the family for the graveside service. The graveside service will also be live streamed and can be viewed from this webpage.
FUNERAL SERVICE
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 - 10:30 a.m.
St. William Catholic Church
Midland, South Dakota
CLERGY
Father Gary Oreshoski
MUSIC
“Angels Among Us” - Alabama
“When I Get Where I’m Going” - Brad Paisley
“Amazing Grace”
READERS
Jim Nemec - Charlene Nemec
PALL PLACEMENT
April Meeker - Christopher Nemec
Joanna Nemec - Laura Nemec
PALLBEARERS
Jamie Meeker - Dale Nemec - Jim Nemec
Les Nemec - Christopher Nemec - Phil Meyers
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All of Jerry’s Family and Friends
INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota
MEMORIAL ESTABLISHED
Black Hills State University Foundation
attention: Nemec Scholarship Fund
1200 University, Unit 9506
Spearfish, SD 57799-9506