Gerald G. "Jerry" Schmidt Sr.

Schmidt, Gerald G., Sr. "Jerry" Born to Eternal Life on January 28, 2014, approaching his 90th birthday after living courageously with pulmonary fibrosis. Husband of 64 years of Carol (nee Grayson). Father of Nancy Klein (Roger), Barbara Bohlig (Gregg), Gerald, Jr. (Barbara Fimiano), David (Sally Stouthamer) and Joanne Grych (Jay). Grandfather of Bradley (Madeleine) and Kendra Klein, Amanda (Elliot Stith), Bethany and Carolyn Bohlig (Craig Clickner), Alison, Kelsey, Kevin, Heidi, Krista and Derek Schmidt, Ryan, Olivia and Brenna Grych. Great - grandfather of Alexa Klein and Elouise Clickner. Gerald is further survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Alice Bartkowski (the late Stanley), Jane and Carl Deisinger, Patricia Heuler (the late Leroy), James and Elizabeth Grayson, many nieces and nephews and his cousin, Ruth Smith (Ken) and many friends. Gerald was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on February 6, 1924. He graduated from North Division High School, in Milwaukee in 1942. He served in the U.S. Infantry in the South Pacific Theater of Operation in WWII. He fought in battles in the Philippines with the 158th Combat Team, "The Bushmasters" and was awarded the Bronze Star. One of his life's highlights was being a member of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2010. Gerald graduated from Marquette University, and while there, he met Carol as she was completing her nursing degree. He was an active member of the fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. He enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the Motor Trucking Transportation field including being named The Wisconsin Transportation Man of the Year in 1979 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Interstate Commerce Commission and receiving the Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association Babbitt Award in 1994. In addition, his dedication and involvement in trucking included many leadership roles within the industry. Jerry carried out his commitment to his career and the trucking community by being President of the following: the Milwaukee Cartage Exchange, the Milwaukee Traffic Club, the Transportation Club of Milwaukee, the Delta Nu Alpha, and the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Interstate Commerce Commission Practitioners. He served as chairman of the Transportation and Marketing Departments at Spencerian College and taught at the University of Wisconsin. He established his own trucking and warehousing company with his son, David, in the early 1980's, retiring just several years ago. Jerry was an avid sports fan. He could be found cheering for the Tosa East Red Raiders, the Badgers and his children and grandchildren's athletic and academic activities. He was one of the longest season ticket holders at Marquette University basketball games and was past president of The Marquette Minutemen. Jerry was a member at Tripoli Country Club and made three holes-in-one on that course. He was a Wauwatosa Curling Club member. Jerry's Christian faith began as a young boy and saw him through life's joys and difficulties. He was an active member at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauwatosa including volunteering as an usher, elder, deacon and president of the congregation. Those who knew Jerry admired his humor and quick wit, his outgoing personality and his generosity. He was preceded in death by his parents Erwin and Erma; his brother Earl, his grandson, Adam Grych, his beloved mother-in-law, Clara Grayson. In addition, he was preceded in death by in-laws Robert and Margie Grayson, Gladys and Steve Bartkowski, William (Marilyn) and special friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Home Foundation. Visitation will be Friday, January 31, from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at the Funeral Home. Visitation continues Saturday, February 1, from 10:00AM until time of Service at 11:00AM, at OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH, 10025 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa. Entombment and military honors to follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield.