Jerry Jens Thirstrup and his twin sister Judy were born November 23, 1943 in Sioux City, IA to Lavonne and Jens Thirstrup. Lavonne soon became a very busy young mother as Jens was called to serve in World War II, and Lavonne was left with the baby twins, Jerry and Judy, as well as their older toddler brother Larry. After the family had moved to Sioux Falls, SD, Jerry became a devoted older brother to baby Connie Thirstrup.

Jerry was a lively, precocious child known for keeping his family and teachers "on their toes." After graduating from high school, he moved to Seattle to work on airplanes at Boeing. Soon after, he was drafted into the Army and like his father before him, he made the cross-Atlantic trek to Germany to serve. Jerry spoke fondly of his time in the Army, as he always seemed to find avenues to have fun and build friendships.

Upon returning stateside, he re-enrolled in college and began exploring his future career, deciding eventually to major in history. He met his first wife, Barbara Boydston at the University of South Dakota where they both eventually graduated with master's degrees. Jerry spent sixteen years as a high school history and government teacher in Jefferson, SD. He had a gift for recalling historical facts and stories in vivid detail, and enjoyed robust civics debates with anyone who would join him. He even drove the school bus to take his government class to see President Ronald Reagan when he was appearing nearby.

Jerry was elated when his son Derek Thirstrup was born in 1978, followed by the birth of his daughter Ashley Thirstrup in 1980. The young father kept busy teaching and running his summer side business in lawn care. Jerry also triumphed in convincing Barbara to build a Dairy Queen in Vermillion, SD, so they could try their luck at selling ice cream cones to college students. Eventually, the family moved to Rapid City, SD in 1987. Jerry became an instructor at Western Dakota Technical College, where he was able to combine his love of technology with teaching.

Later, Jerry moved into sales where he spent the rest of his career. He excelled in his sales roles, as he was truly a "people person." He had a unique ability to build trusting, lasting relationships with people of all walks of life. He built networks in towns all over the Midwest, and he prided himself that he "had friends in high places, and could always help folks get out of a jam."

Jerry's love for people was clear to anyone who spent time with him. He signed up for many opportunities to volunteer in the community, and he was always first in line when someone reached out for help. He was fortunate to meet President Jimmy Carter on a Habitat for Humanity build in Eagle Butte, SD. He devoted himself to supporting people navigating their recovery from alcoholism, and he was a beacon to many who came to him for counsel. He met his long-time partner Cyndy Henriksen in 2005.  They supported each other and their community through example with over thirty years of sobriety.

Jerry was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, partner, and friend. He is survived by his brother Larry Thirstrup, his sisters Judy Churchwell and Connie Thirstrup, his children Derek Thirstrup and his wife Emily Fay, his daughter Ashley Thirstrup and her husband Ouriel Avraham, his grandchildren Serai Avraham, Talia Avraham, and Maeve Thirstrup, his loving partner Cyndy Henriksen and her children Charlie Henriksen, Cassie Henriksen Bradley, and AJ Wolff and their eight children.

Jerry's legacy will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 10 ^th at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 2700 Jackson Blvd, Rapid City, SD. The life celebration will be followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery. Everyone will be invited to share a meal at 12:30 at the Alano Club at 325 Deadwood Ave., Rapid City.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Feeding South Dakota in Jerry's name through this link: https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/ways-to-give/donate/tribute-donations