Mass of Christian Burial for Jerald “Jerry” Markovetz will be 10:30 AM Monday, April 21, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 20 6th St, Ipswich, South Dakota with Fr. Timothy Cone serving as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a Liturgical Wake Service and Rosary at 7:00 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Church. Visitation continues Monday at 9:30 AM at the Church.
Jerry was born in Ipswich on February 12, 1951, to James and Kathryn (Braun) Markovetz. A man of deep faith, he was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Parish and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus. His unwavering commitment to God shaped every part of his life—his work, his family, and his community.
After graduating high school, Jerry began working at the Ipswich Lumberyard, where he developed a passion for building. That passion grew into a successful career—he became a skilled craftsman, running his own business, Jerry’s Construction & Apartments Plus. Over the years, most everyone in the area had Jerry lend his hands and heart to a project in their home.
In 1975, Jerry met the love of his life, Cheryl (Holsing), in what could only be described as a race to forever. He was working in the pits at a local race; she was visiting with a friend. The connection was instant—love at first sight. They married on February 13, 1976, and began their journey together in Aberdeen, where they lived for nine months before settling in Ipswich. They resided in Ipswich for 49 years, where they raised their family with God’s grace in a home full of faith, love, and laughter.
Jerry had a deep love for family traditions, especially his nightly games of pinochle. He played nearly every day with his mother, Kathryn, and was always ready for a game, shouting “Deal ’em out!” or jokingly calling out “Buck buck?!” late into the night.
He was a devoted husband and a proud father to four children: Brandon (Tonia) of Spearfish, SD; Michael (Stacey) of Olathe, KS; Heath (Christine) of Elizabeth, MN; and Sarah (Jeremy) Wambach of Sioux Falls, SD.
Jerry passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at the age of 74.
Jerry was a beloved grandfather to 14 grandchildren: Tyler (Elizabeth), Sydney (Broc), Kaylee, Chase, Jason, Alex, Lauren, Megan, Aubrey, Andrew, Brayden, Ryanne, Owen, Talan, and one great-granddaughter Charlie Jo. He is also survived by his mother Kathryn Markovetz of Ipswich, SD; his brother Don (Carol) of Kuna, ID; and four sisters Deb (Warren) Heitz, Marge (Mel) Heinz, and Shirley Graves, all of Aberdeen, SD and Kristie (Scott) Williams of Ipswich, SD.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father James Markovetz; his brother Daryl Markovetz; and his brother-in-law Gaylan Graves.
Jerry will be remembered for his warm heart, his great story telling skills, his long naps in his chair, his vision for his next project, and the way he made everyone feel like family. Jerry & Cheryl were planning a trip to Alaska for their 50th wedding anniversary. Cheryl said, “he’s with Jesus, he’s having a lot more fun there!”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be donated to the “Right To Life” organization—one of many causes close to Jerry’s heart.
Schriver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Markovetz family
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