August 19, 2018 – West Bend, WI – Jerry K. Schmidt, 76, of West Bend, died on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at The Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk with his loving family by his side.
Jerry was born on January 16, 1942 in Milwaukee to the late Clarence and Lorraine (nee Bostrom) Schmidt. He was a 1960 graduate of Nathan Hale High School in West Allis and served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. On August 28, 1965, Jerry was united in marriage to Esther Jautz at Mt. Hope Lutheran Church in West Allis.
Jerry worked for several architectural firms before going into the construction industry. He founded J.K. Schmidt and Sons and built over 100 homes during his career. Eventually Jerry shifted careers and spent 10 years working for Wisconsin Natural Gas. In his retirement, Jerry returned to his construction roots and opened a cabinet shop called Genesis Woodworks.
Jerry was very passionate about the Mt. Meru Coffee Project (www.mtmerucoffee.org) and spent almost 20 years going on mission trips to Africa and serving the organization in various roles including President and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Jerry also enjoyed traveling with his wife, camping, and sightseeing around his community and the state.
Those Jerry leaves behind to cherish his memory include his two sons, Karl (Signe) Schmidt of Milwaukee and Daniel Schmidt of West Bend; two grandchildren, Gilbert and Freya Schmidt; a sister, Gail Schmidt of Rosholt; two brothers, Clifford (Linda) Schmidt of Geneseo, IL and Roy Schmidt of Milton; and many other dear relatives and close friends.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; and a sister, Janet Schmidt.
A memorial service in remembrance of Jerry will be held on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at noon at Trinity Lutheran Church (140 N. 7th Ave. West Bend, WI 53095). Rev. David Schoob will officiate and burial of Jerry’s cremated remains will be in Highland Memorial Park in Milwaukee. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the service at 12:00 pm.
Memorials to The Kathy Hospice (3232 Pleasant Valley Rd. West Bend, WI 53095) or to the Mt. Meru Coffee Project (www.mtmerucoffee.org) would be greatly appreciated by the family.
The Myrhum-Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Jerry’s arrangements