Obituaries
Gerald J "Jerry" Schmitz
May 23, 1938 - Sept. 28, 2024 - Chilton, WI
Funeral Service
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
1:30 pm
54 E. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Funeral Visitation
Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024
11:00 am - 1:15 pm
54 E. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Gerald J "Jerry" Schmitz
Chilton WI
Gerald "Jerry” Schmitz, age 86, of Chilton, died on September 28, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. He was born May 23, 1938, son of the late Clarence and Bernice Schmitz. He met Ruth Lodes at a wedding dance and a year later they were married, and together they had four children. On October 7, they will celebrate 63 years of wedding bliss.
Jerry started out delivering fuel until 1974 when he bought the farm and milked 52 cows until 2005, and then continued to farm the land. In 2010, he bought his dream cabin up north, "his little slice of heaven on earth," where he could enjoy family weekend get togethers, hunting, fishing, growing food plots, campfires, or just sitting out on the porch appreciating the serenity of the woods. In his younger days he enjoyed bowling on men's and couples leagues, and he and Ruth were part of four card clubs that eventually evolved into enjoying a social dinner together. His faith was important to him and he spent time volunteering at St. Augustine and Good Shepherd churches.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Ruth; children: David Schmitz (Special Friend, Rita Piantek), Steven (Diane) Schmitz, Julie Schmitz (Fiancé, Michael Barr), and Jodie (Dave) Baus; grandchildren: Holly (Jeremy) Lazzaro, Ashley (Tyler) Milhaupt, Adam (Ally) Schmitz, Seth Barr, Quynn Barr, and Jaslynn Baus; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law: Kathy Lodes (Special friend, Rich), Maria Lodes, and Pat Lodes (Special Friend, Steve); as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence and Bernice Schmitz; his brother: Eugene Schmitz; Ruth’s parents: Aurelia and Norbert Lodes; brothers and Sisters-in-law: Edward & Sandy Lodes and Jerome & Patricia Lodes; a great-grandchild: Vincent Lazzaro; and many other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton. Friends may call from 11:00 am until 1:15 pm at the church on the day of service. A committal service will take place at St. Augustine Cemetery in Chilton following funeral services. At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in the name of Gerald Schmitz.
Jerry’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Amanda Hackbarth and her team at Chilton Ascension, as well as Dr. Kamal Abbi and his team with Ascension Oncology, and St. Elizabeth's Hospital care team for their compassion and care.
Condolences
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. We knew him mostly through St. Augustine’s Parish. He was always so sweet. He always had time to stop and visit. Our deepest sympathy to Ruth and all of his family. may God Bless!
John & Gladys Michels (Friends) 2024-10-10 08:01:38
Dearest Ruth, Steve, Diane and family, my heart goes out to you and with heavy heart I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending you prayers and strength to get through this very sad time. Please know I will be thinking of you in the coming days and hopefully you will find peace and comfort over a old fashion or two.
Gail Zastrow (Friend) 2024-10-03 11:53:05
Our deepest sympathy to Ruth and her family on Jerry's passing. Many fond memories of Jerry as we grew up. He was a wonderful cousin and was such a big help to my parents in the early years when he was available to give a helping hand whenever needed. I will always remember him for his caring and thoughtful demeanor. Always a joy talking with him. May God bless your family during this difficult time of remembrance. Rest in peace Jerry. Love cousin Tom and Linda
Tom and Linda Cullen (1st cousin ) 2024-10-03 08:15:06
Ruth and family, sincere condolences for your loss. Jerry had such an infectious smile. You were missed at our cousin reunion today. Prayers for the family.
Jan Endries (Cousin) 2024-10-01 19:43:55
My Deepest Sympathy to you Ruth Ann and family. Jerry was very liked by everyone, a cool cousin .
Bogenschuetz, Joan (Cousin) 2024-10-01 17:50:38
Ruth and family, Sincere condolences for your loss. Cherish the memories of Jerry's love of life.
Sheila Engel (Relative (cousin and godchild)) 2024-10-01 09:04:57
Ruth, Jodie and family my condolences on the passing of Jerry. Cherish the memories.
Amanda Miller-Hedtke (Classmate and relative) 2024-09-30 18:35:29
Jodi and Julie sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close to your heart and your dad will always be with you.
Tammy Gillig (Friend ) 2024-09-30 16:46:21
Ruth and Family, we would like to extend to all of you our sincerest condolences. Jerry was a great guy,and we will miss seeing that friendly face.
Donald and Johanna Bonlander (Friends) 2024-09-30 13:03:06
I remember well Jerry's great smile and we were blessed with his presence. Rest well with our heavenly father and thank-you Jerry for being you.
Jimmy Cullen (Cousin) 2024-09-30 11:13:37
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