ONIDA, SD – Jerald “Jerry” Merlin Worlie entered this world on March 28th, 1943, in Aberdeen, SD. He was the third child of Melvin and Donna (Riepe) Worlie. He grew up in rural Conde, SD where he attended School.
He enjoyed all things outdoors, hunting, fishing and helping around the family farm. In his high school years, he met and came to know Connie Wettestad, and they wed in 1962, bringing three children into the world: Jim, Jarrod, and Julie. Jerry was employed as a manager of the Farmers Union Elevator in Kennebec, SD where they made their home. He enjoyed his work, spending time with his family and their activities included family vacations, camping, working on things in the shop, hunting, snowmobiling, and fishing.
In the middle of his life, Jerry and Connie divorced and he met Betty Whitney. They were united in marriage in 1982 and moved to Onida in 1983. Jerry continued working at the GTA elevator in Onida and being closer to the river, he bought a boat and enjoyed fishing and camping with Betty and Michelle. He enjoyed guns but was never an avid hunter, his passion was collecting them. Jerry and Betty also bought motorcycles and enjoyed taking weekend road trips to a variety of destinations.
Jerry retired from the grain elevator business but was too young to officially retire so he worked at the Sully County Highway Department until Betty was diagnosed with cancer. At that time, he retired to be home with her, becoming her caregiver until her death in 2012. He was genuinely touched by the outpouring of support that the community gave him during this difficult time and the friendships that blossomed from people always ‘checking in on him’. He continued to live alone in his home in Onida with the support of his many friends.
On June 13th, Jerry suffered a stroke which ultimately claimed his spirit and life.
Grateful for having shared his life are his family members: his children, Jim (Dawn) of Hartford, SD, Jarrod (JoLynda) of Fort Walton Beach, Julie (Paul) Reif of Sioux Falls, SD), Michelle (Eric) Chlan of Ostego, MN, and his brother, Richard (Jane) of Conde, SD. Jerry is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, his parents Melvin & Donna Worlie of Conde, SD, his sister Melva Christensen Marsh of Parker, and his grandson Michael Worlie of Sioux Falls, SD.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre, with inurnment to follow at the Onida Cemetery.
