Jerryce “Snort” Hook, 76 of Rapid City, SD died November 29, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Sturgis, SD.

Jerryce was born March 5, 1947, In Quinn, SD to Violet (Peppert) and Lawrence “Red” Hook. He joined brothers Verlyn, Darwin, Larry, Dwilyn (PeeWee), with sister Juanita and brother Monte to follow him. The family moved to Philip, SD when Jerryce was 9 but he didn’t make the move until four years later when they finally caught up to him. It was during those four years that he developed a deep hatred for Bisquick.

Jerryce graduated from Philip High School in 1965 and even though he spent four years “on the run” he never missed one day of school from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Even the day he got his tonsils out.

After graduating in 1965 Jerryce was drafted into the United States Army but after a few drinks (or a few too many drinks) he and his friends drove to the recruiter’s home and woke her up so they could enlist and go in on their own terms.

While in Vietnam Jerryce was in the United States Army 196th Light Infantry. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service. He earned a special clearance to carry night vision goggles and the mail. That clearance is what ultimately saved his life. While out in the field one day he was sent back to the base camp to transport night vision goggles and while he was gone 19 of his comrades were killed leaving him as one of just a few survivors.

After one year in Vietnam, he returned stateside to Ft. Lewis, WA to serve the remainder of his two-year commitment. Once his time was served, he settled in Rapid City, SD and worked at Otto’s Service Station while attending National College of Business. On March 27, 1969, Elaine Holsworth stopped into the service station to have some work done on her car. Being a man of high quality he called Elaine to warn her of one his co-workers low qualities. Eight weeks later they were married.

To this union two children were born, Hollee followed by Layne 14 months later. He taught his children how to work hard and have fun, and also how to use all the curse words correctly and in the proper order. They camped, fished, hunted for Christmas trees, got tricked by “Santa”, along with thousands of good dad moments.

Of all of his titles, son, brother, friend, husband and father, his favorite role was Papa. Lucky to call him Papa were Ethan and Isaiah and Eli and Madeline. They enjoyed many pranks,

jokes, stories and leg pulling from him throughout their lives. No matter the amount the kids loved him, he loved them double.

Throughout his life, Jerryce had many honorary kids and grandkids. He had very impactful relationships with anyone he took under his wing. He had a gift to make every person he met to feel special.

Jerryce Hook was a businessman, a master woodworker, a great cribbage player but what he loved most was playing pranks on people. There is not enough room here to even start to tell stories. If you were lucky enough to have been his mark, we encourage you to always share those stories.

Jerryce was preceded in death by both his parents, brothers Verlyn, Larry, Darwin and Monte.

Jerryce is survived by his wife, Elaine, Daughter, Hollee (Ben), Son, Layne (Julia), Grandchildren Ethan, Eli and Madeline. His Sister Wife Nancy (without benefits), his wife’s family, many nieces, nephews, and so many special friends.