Gerald Schmidt

Gerald W. “Jerry” Schmidt, 88, died at 7:05 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2012 at Eunice Smith Home in Alton. Born October 2, 1924 in Alton, he was the son of Leo and Florence (Lengacher) Schmidt.

Mr. Schmidt graduated from Marquette High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS New Jersey from 1942-1945. In 1950 he graduated from Quincy College. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, the Alton Eagles Foe No. 254, the Godfrey Knights of Columbus, and a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1308.

He enjoyed golfing, gardening, traveling and fishing and was an avid fan of his children and grandchildren’s activities and sports games. On September 10, 1949 he married the former Bonnidel “Bonnie” Brooks at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. She survives.

Also surviving is a daughter and son-in-law, LeAnn and Ric Johns of Marine, IL, three sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Pam Schmidt of Des Peres, MO, Robert and Janie Schmidt of Town and Country, MO, and Tom and Susie Schmidt of Godfrey, 17 grandchildren; Emily Lacy (Justin), Adam “Buzz” Schmidt, Allison Schmidt, Matt Schmidt, Frank Scaduto (Carly), Mary Scaduto, Andrea Scaduto, Joe Scaduto, Katie Wuellner, Michael Wuellner, Dustin Johns, Kellin Johns, Cassidy Johns, Larrin Johns, Christopher Schmidt, Jonathan “Jonah” Schmidt, and Andrew Schmidt, and several nieces and nephews, one brother, Elden Schmidt of Godfrey, a sister, Marcella Clasby (Jim) of Godfrey, and a sister-in-law, Clara Reinhardt (Bill) of Palm Desert, CA.

He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Mary Pat Walters Schmidt, a grandson, Drew Schmidt, two brothers, Ralph and Marvin Schmidt, a sister-in-law, Marilyn Drose, and a brother-in-law, Jerry Brooks.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Father Steve Pohlman will officiate.

Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery with full military honors by the FFW Post 1308.

Memorials may be made to Marquette High School, St. Ambrose Church, or Eunice Smith Nursing Home Alzheimer’s Wing. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home