Gerald “Jerry” VanderHam, 68, of Platte, SD passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021 at the Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota in Sioux Falls. Memorial Services are 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 25, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Platte. Visitation will be held at the church from 6:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, June 24, 2021 with a 7:00 P.M. Time of Sharing. Gerald G. VanderHam was born on May 4, 1953 in Platte, SD to Carl & Opal (Schryvers) VanderHam. He grew up on the family farm near Aurora Center, SD. In 1971, he married Gayle Bultje, and together they had three children. In 1994, he was joined in marriage to Joyce Allen. Jerry started working at age 14 at various jobs in the area; and eventually opened JVan Plumbing. Together with his wife, they operated the business until his death. His passions were his family, hunting, fishing and riding motorcycle. Jerry is survived by: his wife of over 26 years, Joyce VanderHam of Platte, SD; a sister, Sandy Ward of Sand Springs, OK; a sister-in-law, Joan (Odell) Ruesink of Zumbrota, MN; two brothers-in-law: Gene (Joan) Allen of Eyota, MN and Jerry (Marcy) Allen of Zumbrota, MN; six children: Tammy (Doug) Gorter of Pipestone, MN, Wanda (Rob) Bertram of Parkston, SD, Jeremy (Barb) VanderHam of Brandon, SD, Carrie (Chris) Hartley of Rochester, MN, Kiel (Jen) Koehler of Winona, MN, and Kurt (Toni) Koehler of Stewartville, MN; 20 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; along with many extended family members and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Bobby Ward. “He was loved by many and will be missed by everyone”.