Gerald Daniel Schmitz, “Jerry,” 87, of Hartford, Wis., passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Kathy Hospice in West Bend, Wis., on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.
He was born in Ontario, Wis., on Nov. 27, 1936, the son of George and Helen (nee Sullivan) Schmitz. Growing up as one of nine children on the family farm taught Jerry the skills of hard work and commitment to family values. Shortly after graduating Ontario High School, Jerry moved to Milwaukee, Wis., and worked as a mechanic at the Nike Anti-Aircraft Missiles site. He was a member of the National Guard for two years. He worked at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in building maintenance and retired from UPS after 21 years of service.
Jerry married Carol Braun on Feb. 8, 1958. Together they had four children. They were married for 49 years, until she passed away on May 19, 2007. Jerry found love again and married Jeanette Braun (Ebner), who also was recently widowed on March 8, 2009.
Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing softball, casino trips, and playing sheepshead with his card group at his condo. He also was a jack of all trades and could fix just about anything. Jerry loved his family and friends and had a deep faith.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Jeanette. Husband of the late Carol. Loving father to Daniel (Audrey) Schmitz, William (Mary) Schmitz, the late Thomas (Kim) Schmitz, and the late Mary (Angel) Maseda. He was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren with two more on the way. Stepfather of Donna (Nigel) Roozen-Robjohns, the late Cynthia (David) Brown, Gerald (Catherine) Braun, William (Marcy) Braun, and Kathryn (David) Smith. Brother of Leona (William) Jantz, Joan (late Richard) Pastula, Karen (late Otis) DeWitt, Jeanice (Al) Gabardi, Bernadette (Robert) Daggett, Dolores (Rick) Ellinger, Richard (late Betty and late Julie) Schmitz, and the late Shirley (late Robert) Collins. Brother-in-law of James (Colleen) Braun, the late Robert Braun, and the late Beverly Braun. Jerry is further survived by many family members and friends.
Funeral services for Jerry will be Saturday, Sept. 7, at 11 a.m. at Divine Savior Lutheran Church, 3200 County Hwy. K, Hartford, WI 53027, with Rev. Douglas Stowe officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from 9–10:45 a.m. Entombment with committal prayers will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Washington County Memorial Park, 3358 Paradise Drive, West Bend, WI 53095.
Contributions in memory of Jerry to Divine Savior Lutheran Church and/or to the Kathy Hospice are appreciated.
Jerry’s family shares a special thank you to the staff at Froedtert Hospital in Menomonee Falls and Wauwatosa, Linden Grove, and The Kathy Hospice.
The Shimon Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences and tributes may be shared online at www.shimonfuneralhome.com.
