Jerry M. Block, age 53 of McIntosh, passed from this life at his home in McIntosh on Thursday morning, October 29, 2015.

The Funeral Service for Jerry will be held at 10:30am MT on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in McIntosh with Rev. Adam Pilarski, officiating. Burial will be in the McIntosh Cemetery with full military honors afforded by the Ralph T. Anderson American Legion Post #139 of McIntosh.

Serving as casketbearers are Deputy Michael Varilek, Deputy Alan Dale, Deputy Justin Tvedt, Brad Schell, Brian Dreiske, Brad Block, Robert Block, and Dennis Maher.

Jerry Michael Block was born July 17th, 1962 to Harry and Jacquelyn (Richards) Block in Mobridge, South Dakota. Jerry attended McIntosh High School and graduated with the Class of 1980. After graduation, Jerry worked various jobs in the community including maintenance for the City of McIntosh and also as a City Police Officer. Jerry was often reminded throughout the years by Sheriff Keith Gall that he was the officer who gave Keith his first traffic citation.

Jerry joined the United States Air Force and attended his six week basic training in January, 1986 and the NCO Preparatory course in June of 1989. Jerry received a Longevity service award, USAF NCO Professional Military Education Graduate, Small arms expert Marksmanship and Air Force Training Ribbons. One of Jerry's proudest and most honorable moments took place from August 1990 to February 1991 when he served in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

Jerry served six years in the Air Force and was honorably discharged on July 25th, 1993, signed by Colonel James H. White of the United States Air Force.

On February 14th, 1992 Jerry was hired as the Corrections Officer and Dispatcher for the Corson County Sheriff's Office. The job led to more than just taking care of prisoners and answering telephones and radios. Jerry became the grounds keeper and maintenance person for the building and lived in the apartment which is connected to the Office and Jail. Jerry was a very dedicated employee to the Sheriff's Office. He hardly ever took a full day off and never was fond of vacations and crowds. Jerry once, in the early 1990's made arrangements with the Sheriff to take a week's vacation. Approximately 16 hours after he left, Jerry was back at home and working the next day. He was asked why he came home so early and began describing how stressful it was to get lost on back roads in Minnesota.

Jerry not only worked as a dedicated Corrections Officer and Dispatcher, but he also took the time to take care of many kids in the community. If a child needed a meal or needed a place to do homework or just hang out, the Sheriff's Office to see Jerry was the place they could go.

No kid ever left Jerry's hungry or without a treat in hand. He also loved animals and always was known to feed the local cats and dogs in the community. It was never uncommon to see Jerry and Jake, the town dog roaming the streets.

The last few years Jerry developed some health issues that limited his abilities, but he still made every effort to do his job the best that he could every day. The only days he took off were for grocery shopping and doctors appointments.

Jerry will be missed by his family, co workers and the Law Enforcement and First Responder Community.


Surviving family members include his brother and sisters-in-law, Bill and Debbie Block, Yankton, SD; Christina Block, Lemmon, SD; 2 brothers-in-law, Nolan Seim, White Butte, SD; and Jerry Renken, Mandan, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Gene Block and Roger Block, 3 sisters, Linda Seim, Sandy Renken, and Mary Rose Block in infancy.