Gerald V. “Jerry” Smith

Gerald V. “Jerry” Smith

November 28, 1949 – October 28, 2019

Jerry was called home to heaven on October 28, 2019.  Survived by wife of 49 plus years, Judee Desterhouse Smith; children: Chad (Melissa T.), Tad (Donette K.), and Brad (Wendy); grandchildren: Timothee, Kaylie, Abbie, Kaleb, Aiden, Dominic Smith, Charlotte and Lily Turner; sister Sharon Franz (Ron).

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Gaylord and Seima; brother G. Neal; sister, Joyce Morse; father in law Robert Desterhouse Sr.; brothers in law Robert Jr and Les Desterhouse.

Jerry graduated from Benson High School and ttended DVRY University  for electronics.  He enlisted into the U.S. Navy, where he was a aircraft mechanic.  His squadron was VP-9, and he flew on P3’s as a jet mechanic.  He was stationed in the U.S. as well as overseas.  After the Navy he went to work in the trucking industry, working as a dock man, working for the local, and was a line haul driver (OTR).  Jerry was a member of the Teamsters Local 554 for 44 years, retiring in 2017 from USF Holland.

Jerry enjoyed “Life”, family, helping others, and teaching his sons helpful mechanics to get through life. His grandchildren sure put a BIG smile on his face.

Jerry received a lung transplant in late March of 2017 at UMMC in Minnesota, returning home the end of January 2018.  He battled long and hard for 2 years and 7 months.

Thank you to everyone at UMMC and UNMC for the medical care, love and caring Jerry received.  We are so grateful for the time we had with Jerry.  He will be loved and greatly missed by ALL.  We love you, honey, dad, and papa.

Family will receive friends Monday, November 4th, from 5pm to 7pm at The West Center Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, November 5th, 10:30am, at The West Center Chapel with a luncheon to follow.  INTERMENT: 2pm at Omaha National Cemetery with Military Honors.  Memorials are suggested to Hope Chest News, P.O. Box 13040, Minneapolis MN, 55414 or hopechestnews.org, or many be directed to the family for their choice of charity.

“Gentleman”, please No Suits: Business Casual, Thank you.

 

 

 

10 Comments

  • Lisa Merryman (Thiessen) Posted October 29, 2019 6:08 am

    May the Lord wrap all in his Loving arms during this time.Rest in Peace Uncle Jerry.

  • Kathy Burkett Posted October 30, 2019 6:36 pm

    I spoke with you Jerry, only a couple of times…But when here at the hospital in Minneapolis it was you who made me feel like we were long time friends. A wonderful spirit. Whenever visiting, I saw your beautiful Judee faithfully at your side. It was obvious you loved and were loved. To Judee and your family, may your hearts find peace and comfort.“So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22

  • Janet Lytton Posted October 31, 2019 8:10 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.

  • Curtis Erickson Posted November 1, 2019 2:27 am

    To my cousin’s family, my thoughts and prayers are with you

  • Jim Hendricksen Posted November 2, 2019 9:42 am

    So sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. We were friends from Beni’s Park Baptist church later known as Bethany baptist church. I pray that God wil surround your family with His love.

  • Barry VandenBrink Posted November 2, 2019 9:57 am

    Knew Jerry very well as young kids, we lived near each did a lot of things together as kids, and went to the same church. Lost track of him when I moved to Lincoln and then to the Seattle area. Always asked my brother Bob about him every time I was back in Omaha, and drove by their old home in Keystone area about a year ago. Sorry for your loss. Good memories of him and the family. Sad hearing of his passing.

  • James Murphy Posted November 2, 2019 1:47 pm

    I can’t say strongly enough how much I enjoyed the years when my family lived right across the street from this fine man. I could talk with him for hours and it seemed like no time had passed. Sometimes we would just sit outside in his driveway and enjoy conversation and laugh about the exploits of the local neighbor kids. His smile and laugh will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

  • Jennifer Allen Fehringer Posted November 3, 2019 11:19 am

    Judee, sending my love to you and your family. Jerry was an amazing guy and I think of you both often. I enjoyed our chats. Your family is in my prayers. Love, Jen

  • Pete Rygol Posted November 4, 2019 3:05 pm

    Sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I also knew Jerry from Bemis Park Baptist then Bethany and Benson High. Jerry was always a pleasure to be around when we were kids. Lost track after high school. God Bless you Jerry.

  • Susanna Von Essen Posted November 5, 2019 8:58 am

    I send my sincere sympathy to all of you. Gerald fought a good fight and you are a wonderful family.

Sign Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *