Gerald L. “Rip” Sorgius, 85, died at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville.
He was born in Otwell on April 16, 1930, to Gerald E. “Gabe” and Alphenus (Schrolucke) Sorgius.
He was owner and founder of RIPCO Ltd., and a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved farming and devoted his life to the agricultural industry. He and his family were truly blessed by a very special friend and caregiver, Carol Rose Horn.
Survivors include two sons, Gary D. (Cheryl) Sorgius of Vincennes, and Ronnie A. (LuAnn) Sorgius of Jasper; two daughters, Teresa S. (Larry) Kruse of Princeton, and Rhonda D. (David) Jochim of Otwell; grandchildren J.D. and Brena Sorgius, Jayden, Cole and Rhys, B.J. and Heather Sorgius, Quinton, Kendric, Lakin and Channing, Autumne and Andy Southard, Kingsley, Sterling, Jagger, Lacey and Charles Roberts, Shaylea and Dave Hale, Dalen, Isaac and Taylor, Christopher and Laura Blue, Bryce, Ian, Remi, Nicholas Blue, Grant, Keaton, Jason and Sarah Kruse, Eli and Claire, Christopher and D.D. Perkins and Kennedy, Corey Jochim, Justin Jochim and Sophia; and sister-in-law Deloris Sorgius.
His wife, Betty S. (Ellison) Sorgius, whom he married March 14, 1953, preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by a brother, William F. Sorgius, and stepmother Bernice Sorgius. Mr. Sorgius was a member of the Otwell United Methodist Church and a Shriner.
The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at RIPCO, Ltd., 7702 E. SR356, Otwell. Burial will follow at Otwell Cemetery. Rev. Gerald Frye will be officiating the services.
Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at RIPCO, Ltd. Thursday and before the service on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Otwell United Methodist Memorial Fund or the Shriners Children Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Arrangements are being made through Harris Funeral Home, Petersburg.