JERRY J. SCHMITZ

JERRY J. SCHMITZ

     Jerry Jerome Schmitz, 87, of Granton was called home Feb. 17, 2023, to be reunited with his wife Lila.

     Jerry was born May 15, 1935, on the family farm in Lynn, WI, to George and Dorothy (Heinrich) Schmitz. He graduated from Granton High School in 1953. Jerry was united in marriage to Lila Sternitzky May 26, 1956. Together, they farmed in the town of Lynn until 1996. The farm was honored as a Century Farm in 1985. After retiring, Jerry and Lila enjoyed traveling to visit with friends and family. He was a lifetime member of Granton FFA. He was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, in Granton. 

     One of Grandpa Jerry’s favorite pastimes was playing and watching baseball. In 1956, Jerry, also known as “The Bishop,” was invited to Florida to try out for the Red Sox as a pitcher. He was known to throw a 90-mph fastball and had a mean curveball to go with it. He made the team, but soon became homesick and made his way back home. Jerry was a caring husband and father. His kind spirit made it easy to be his friend, and he was blessed with many lifelong friendships.

     Jerry is survived by his four sons, Timothy (Jane) of Granton, Terry (Sandy) of Granton, David (Karen) of Germantown and Kevin (Shelly) of Neillsville. He is further survived by 13 grandchildren, Molly (Elliot) Wilcox of Hastings, MN, Ali Schmitz of Marshfield, Matthew Schmitz of Marshfield, Tara (Michael) Kamien of Houston, TX, Kortney (Alex) Folk of Wausau, Logan (Hali) Schmitz of Granton, Nicholas Schmitz of Granton, Kelsey Schmitz of Milwaukee, Carter Schmitz of Milwaukee, Mackenzie Schmitz of Chicago, IL; and Jason Kurth, Kolin Schmitz, and Karcyn Schmitz, all of Neillsville. Jerry also had seven great-grandchildren, Colton, Lawson and Garrett Kamien, Kora and Adeline Folk and Tobin and Tessa Schmitz. He is also survived by his siblings, Betty Tasse and Ronnie Schmitz; and brothers-in-law Stan (Karlene) Sternitzky and Marv (Roberta) Sternitzky. 

     Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Lila; his parents, George and Dorothy; his brother, Lamar “Schmitty” Schmitz and his wife Thelma June; sisters-in-law Shelby Schmitz and Velda Galloway; and brother-in-law Cyril Tasse. 

     Funeral Services for Jerry were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Zion Evangelical Church in Granton. Pastor Daniel Schoessow officiated. Music was provided by Caroline Helm, organist. Interment was in the Town of Lynn Cemetery. Visitation was held from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday before the funeral service at the church.

     Pallbearers were Logan, Nick, Jason, Kolin, Carter, and Matt. Honorary casket-bearers were Molly, Ali, Tara, Kortney, Kelsey, Mackenzie and Karcyn. 

     Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

     The Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service assisted Jerry’s family with funeral arrangements.