Jacob “Choc” Zerr, 96, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aberdeen, with Father Jeff Schulte officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery following Mass.
There will be a time for fellowship and lunch at the parish hall following the burial.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, with a 7:00 p.m. liturgical wake service.
Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s website following the service.
Jacob “Choc” Zerr was born on September 2, 1928, to Elias and Clara (Kraft) Zerr in Aberdeen, SD. He attended St. Mary’s parochial school and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1948. In high school, Choc loved playing football and baseball, and he ran track.
Choc was born on 1st Avenue, worked on 1st Avenue, lived on 1st Avenue and died on 1st Avenue.
Choc worked at Dakota Sash and Door for a few years before enlisting in the United States Navy in September of 1950. He was honorably discharged in June of 1954 and returned to Aberdeen, where he started working for the John Morrell Company.
Prior to his military service, Choc played American Legion baseball and eventually became a member of the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.
Choc was united in marriage to Delphine Goldade on May 3, 1958, in Aberdeen. Two children were born to this union: Karen and Colleen. Choc continued working at the John Morrell Company for many years until his retirement in 1989. Delphine passed away in 2008, and Choc continued to make Aberdeen his home.
Choc was a proud and active member of his community, belonging to the VFW, American Legion, Elks, and Knights of Columbus. He was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in fishing and pheasant hunting. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball, for which he received awards. He was also proud of the time he spent as an umpire. A true sports enthusiast, he faithfully cheered on Notre Dame, the Minnesota Twins, and the Chicago Cubs.
After retirement, he would meet friends at Schwan’s Recreation for a few games of pinochle, conversation, and a couple of drinks. He was the last surviving member of the “Old North Side Schwan’s Crew. After the crew was gone, he continued to visit and make new friends. Choc never met a stranger—he loved to visit with anyone and everyone, always ready with a warm smile and a good story to share.
Choc is survived by his daughters, Karen Zerr-Brown of Aberdeen, SD, and Colleen (David) Wratz of Sioux Falls, SD; and several nieces and nephews.
Choc was preceded in death by his parents, Elias and Clara; wife, Delphine; son-in-law, Dan; eight brothers and two sisters.
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