Jerome D. Rupp, age 74, of Sioux Falls, SD, died on Tuesday, July 29, 2021, at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls. A family-directed memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Storden, MN. Jerome Dennis Rupp was born on October 1, 1946, to Wilson and Caroline (Assmussen) Rupp in Tracy, MN. He graduated from Storden High School in Storden, MN, in 1964 and from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, in 1968. Jerome enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July 1968 and was honorably discharged in May 1974. He also served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After his active enlistment ended he served 26 years in the Air National Guard before retiring. He was united in marriage to Ramona Gaul on June 7, 1975, in Ellsworth, MN at St. Mary's Church. Jerry held several different jobs, including butcher, janitor, and teacher, but spent most of his career years as a software engineer. He was very involved with the Air National Guard Non-Commissioned Officers Academy Graduate Association and served as the association's treasurer for more than 20 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 15 in Sioux Falls, SD. Jerry was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking. He made a large selection of candies and cookies every Christmas and enjoyed sharing them with family and friends. Fishing and traveling were two of his favorite things to do. He and his wife loved going on cruises and camping, and his favorite trip was a cruise to Alaska. He called it the trip of a lifetime. Jerry was always willing to lend a hand if someone needed help. In his later years he slowed down a bit but never stopped doing what he could to take care of his home and his family. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Ramona; children, Anthony (Sadye) Rupp of Harrisburg, SD, and Christy Rupp of Fairmont, MN; siblings, Wayne (Debbie) Rupp of Storden, MN, Joan (Larry) Syverson of Fairmont, MN, Connie (Richard) Gaul of Ellsworth, MN; and one granddaughter, Payton; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Caroline; step-father, Albert; cousin, Edwin; and many aunts, uncles, and in-laws.