Jerry Wayne Schmitt was born August 23, 1939, in Harvey, North Dakota to John and Pauline (Faul) Schmitt. It was a full life growing up with 9 siblings. The family moved to Montana while Jerry was young, and he went to Darby School.

After school, he became an Army Paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and served with them from 1963 to 1965. Following his honorable service, he came home to Montana. It would be impossible to list all the things he did, because he lived such a full life

Jerry started at the smelter for Anaconda Copper, then worked at PV Ranch and Feed Store in Hamilton, which later became Lake Milling and Lakeland Feed. In addition, he worked for Stolz Conner Logging and in the process he built Blue Joint and Boulder Creek Roads, as well as little Boulder Creek Rd and Slate Creek Roads by Painted Rocks Lake, the old fashioned way, with dynamite and a bulldozer. Later, prior to retirement, he worked at the Rocky Mountain Lab in Hamilton.

Among his passions were raising cattle, vegetable gardening and farming. He was an avid hunter of deer, elk and mountain goats and enjoyed trapping as well, and in the summer, you could find him out on the rivers and streams of his beloved Western Montana, fishing and talking to his neighbors.

He was the father to two girls, Vicki Wiberg and Carol Durbin and a son Jerry F. Schmitt. He was a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also a humble man and a caring friend and will be mourned by all who knew him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and most of his siblings, as well as his son Jerry Fontaine Schmitt. He is survived by his sister Alice McCrossin and his brother Elmer Schmitt as well as five grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Jerry was a man of strong faith; God guided him in all he did. He passed away on October 26. 2024 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. There will be a Celebration of Life at the Hamilton Adventist Church, Pastor Bill Whitney presiding on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at noon. He will be sent on his way with full military honors provided by active-duty Army members, the American Legion, Marine Corps League of Hamilton.

PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd;

there is nothing I lack.

In green pastures he makes me lie down;

to still waters he leads me;

he restores my soul.

He guides me along right paths

for the sake of his name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me;

your rod and your staff comfort me.

You set a table before me

in front of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Indeed, goodness and mercy* will pursue me

all the days of my life;

I will dwell in the house of the LORDf

for endless days.

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