Gerald L. “Rip” Sorgius, 85

Gerald L. “Rip” Sorgius, 85, Otwell, died at 10 a.m. CDT Saturday, May 23, 2015, in St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville.

He was born at Otwell on April 16, 1930, to Gerald “Gabe” and Alphenus (Schrolucke) Sorgius. He married Betty S. Ellison on March 14, 1953. She died Oct. 18, 2010.

Mr. Sorgius retired from RIPCO LTD, which he founded in 1962. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a member of Otwell United Methodist Church and the Shriners. He enjoyed farming and the agricultural industry.

Surviving are two sons, Gary D. Sorgius and wife Cheryl of Vincennes and Ronnie A. Sorgius and wife LuAnn of Jasper; two daughters, Teresa Kruse and husband Larry of Princeton and Rhonda Jochim and husband David of Otwell; a sister-in-law, Deloris Sorgius; his friend and caregiver, Carol Rose Horn; and 41 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Bernice Sorgius, and a brother, William F. Sorgius.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at RIPCO LTD, 7702 E. State Road 356, Otwell. The Rev. Gerald Frye will officiate. Burial will be in Otwell Cemetery in Otwell.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday and after 8 a.m. Friday at RIPCO LTD.

Memorial contributions may be made to Otwell United Methodist Memorial Fund or Shriners Hospital in St. Louis.

Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg is in charge of arrangements.