Gerald Elmon Schmitz

 

Gerald “Jerry” Elmon Schmitz passed away Tuesday November 14, 2023. Jerry was born September 4, 1951, in Enid, Oklahoma to Lawrence and Frances (Mitchell) Schmitz. He was raised in Wakita, Oklahoma on a wheat and cattle farm.

Jerry went into the Army after High School. He served his country in Vietnam. Jerry worked in construction after his honorable discharge from the Army. He met his future wife, Sue, and they were joined in marriage on Feb 12, 1982. They made their home in Green River Wyoming.

Jerry worked for The Red Dog Mining Company in Alaska. He would commute back and forth from Wyoming to Alaska. Jerry was an Equipment operator, a natural step for a farm boy from Wakita. He was hands down one of the best crane operators out there. As an operator he perfected the fine art of cat napping. A barmaid (late one night) asked if Jerry was okay. Jerry was sound asleep upright in his chair. He could sleep like that for hours. He and Sue moved to Bartlesville, OK after his retirement.

Jerry was a Vietnam Veteran and suffered greatly from the effects of Agent Orange and PTSD. RIP Brother!

He is survived by his daughter; Becky Brice (Rich), sister; Ann Calsing (Ron), and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; Sue, daughter; Rashelle, mother; Frances, father; Lawrence, brother; John, and grandson; Colton Brice.